It’s a hard knock life for the newsboys in Newsies, the stage adaptation of the flop 1992 Disney musical film that has become a cult favorite. When the ragtag group of orphans and runaways burst into exuberant song and dance, it’s hard not to think of Annie. Heck, there’s even a Roosevelt—in this case Teddy, not FDR—who arrives to save the day.

Featuring much of the original Alan Menken/Jack Feldman score as well as new tunes by the same composers, the musical--arriving on Broadway after a well-received tryout at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse--boasts a book by Harvey Fierstein. It is officially billed as a limited engagement, with an extension already announced. But don’t be surprised if it sticks around the Great White Way for a long time to come.

The tale’s hero is Jack Kelly (Jeremy Jordan), the leader of the newsboys who organizes a strike against Joseph Pulitzer (John Dossett) when the publisher raises their distribution price. Jack dreams of leaving the tough streets of the city and heading west to Santa Fe, but he begins to think differently when he meets spunky reporter Katharine (Kara Lindsay), a love interest who wasn’t a character in the film.

Very much a standard issue Disney musical in its sentimentality, formulaic characters—Pulitzer is depicted as a practically moustache twirling villain—and predictable plotting, the show is redeemed by its terrific musical numbers. Such songs as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “King of New York” feature rousing choreography by Christopher Gattelli in which the newsies athletically flip, spin, and tap dance across the stage and into our hearts.  

Unfortunately, Fierstein’s book is strictly paint by numbers, featuring tired jokes and button-pushing emotional sentiments.  

Director Jeff Calhoun keeps the show moving in admirably fast-paced fashion, but his efforts are sometimes undercut by the clunky, massive set, composed of metal scaffolding, platforms and stairways that are constantly being moved about. 

In the lead role played by the young Christian Bale in the film, Jordan proves a knockout. Seemingly undaunted by the crash-and-burn of his debut Broadway starrer Bonnie & Clyde, the charismatic young actor boasts talent to spare--his impassioned acting and soaring vocals provide real heart and soul to what could have just been another mechanical Disney enterprise.

Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com. Through Aug. 19.