Live Recording of the Ranches Academy School Performance of “Newsies”. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century and inspired by a true story, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, leader of a ragged band of teenage “newsies” who dream only of a better life, far from the hardship of the streets. But when two publishing titans raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for.