Broadway choreographer Michael Fatica has been assisting the Pioneer Valley High School (PVHS) cast of “Newsies” in choreographing a dance for the show.

Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, the Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city.

After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies unionize and strike. With help from the reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power in numbers.

Fatica, who is teaching the PVHS students the choreography to the song “Carrying the Banner,” has experience as associate choreographer for “Beetlejuice” on Broadway; as a performer in “Spamalot,” and “Frozen;” and as dance captain/swing in “Newsies.”

“I hope this experience will light a fire in the students as we strive to produce professional quality theater at the high school level,’’ said Selyn Barrette Harwin, PVHS theater and technical theater teacher.

“Additionally, I hope that experiences like these will offer them a look at the expectations of professional theatre and offer them further training as they prepare for their future,” Harwin said.

The “Newsies” production will be March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Performing Arts Center on the PVHS campus.