CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Newsies is an exciting, high energy, choreography heavy musical and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:

• Variety in look with all ethnicities, body shapes and sizes 

• Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including

characters of contrasting ages

• Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble

• Strong singers who can dance

• Strong dancers who can sing

• Triple threats

• Friendly people who work hard

• Commitment to the show and rehearsal process

• A great attitude

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Please Note: Roles that have been precast by adults in the community are as follows: 

Governor Teddy Roosevelt, Joseph Pulitzer, Snyder, Medda Larkin, Seitz, Stage Manager, 

 and Mayor

Jack Kelly: Vocal range: A4 – Bb2
Katherine Plumber: Vocal range: F5-A3
Crutchie: Vocal range: A4-C3
Davey: Vocal range: A4-D3
Les: Vocal range: Bb3-Db3

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JACK KELLY -  The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an oprhaned 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.

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.

DAVIE - 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.

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.

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. 

SCABS - Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.

SPOT CONLON - 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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GOONS - Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.

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BUNSEN - Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.

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HANNAH - Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary.

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NUNZIO - Pulitzer’s barber.

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GUARD - The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer’s building.

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THE BOWERY BEAUTIES - Female performers at Medda’s Theater.

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NUNS - The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies.

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PHOTOGRAPHER - Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of “Seize the Day.”

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WOMAN - A newspaper customer. 

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

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POLICEMAN - Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies in the fight that concludes Act One.

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