Audition Dates Coming Soon

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

 

Jack Kelly: The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an orphaned 
dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West. Fiercely protective of his best friend, Crutchie, and strongly loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Though living on the streets has given him a tough-guy exterior, Jack has a big heart and can demonstrate a sweet vulnerability – especially when it comes to bantering with a certain female reporter. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality. (Vocal Range Bb2-A4) 

Crutchie: A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that’s painful, but helps sell 
more papes. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn’t let it define him; when in a jam, Jack Kelly’s best friend relies on a goofy- sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is the heart of the resistance. Though his movement will suggest his bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers. (Vocal Range C3-A4) 

Davey: Les’s straight-laced, bright big brother starts selling newspapers to 
help his family earn a living, but becomes swept up in the fervor of the strike. A leader in his own right who is learning to use his voice to uplift others, Davey is the brains of the resistance. (Vocal Range D3-A4) 

Les: Davey’s cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. A precocious and natural newsie, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies. (Vocal Range Db3-Bb3) 

Newsies: Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, 
Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy, are some of the hard-working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage. May be cast male or female. Spot Conlon: Male or Female, Age 17-20, The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an 
intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.” 

​

Katherine Plumber: An ambitious young reporter, works hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when women aren’t taken seriously. Quick, funny, and resourceful, she boldly captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of the newsies’ strike. While she generally has no time for cocky, streetwise young men, she makes an exception for Jack Kelly. Though she only has a brief dance solo in “King of New York,” Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt – diction is key. (Vocal Range A3-F5) 

Darcy: The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the 
newsies. Can double as a newsie. 

 

Bill: The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause. Can double as a newsie. 

​

Wiesel: Or “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World and knows 
most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper- pusher. 
Oscar and Morris

 

Delancey: Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. 

Joseph Pulitzer: A pompous businessman through and through, owns the World 
and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine’s no-nonsense father, Pulitzer doesn’t sympathize with the strikers, but he does eventually – and grudgingly – respect Jack. (Vocal Range F4-C3) 

Pulitzer’s Staff: Seitz-Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the 
kids’ newspaper; Bunsen- Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with 
the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper; Hannah- Pulitzer’s practical 
and insightful secretary; Nunzio- Pulitzer’s barber. 

Snyder: The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy 
and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming.

 
Medda Larkin: Inspired by vaudeville performer Aida Overton Walker, 
this big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies. An astute entertainer with great comic delivery, she’s a good friend to Jack and stands firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice. (Vocal Range F3-E5) 

Mr. Jacobi: Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to 
plan their strike – when he doesn’t have any paying customers, that is. 

Governor Teddy Roosevelt: A well-respected lifelong public servant, 
inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. 

Female Ensemble: Newsies, Nuns, The Bowery Beauties, Scabs, Stage Manager, 
Photographer, Customers, Katherine Understudy, Medda Understudy 

Male Ensemble: Newsies, Guards, Policemen, Mayor, Goons, Scabs, Jack Kelly Understudy, 
Davey Understudy, Crutchie Understudy

​