Extra, extra! Read all about it! Newsies is coming to DST!
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies "newsies" from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!
Directed by Lisa Barton Figueroa
Musical Direction by Mark 4man
Choreography by Lynzee 4man
Auditions for ages 13-19
AUDITION DATE & TIME:
Saturday, November 23rd from
10 am to 2 pm
DANCE PREP CLASS:
Monday, November 11
10:00 am - 1:00 pm.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Actors should prepare 32 bars of music to sing; accompanist provided
Please also bring a headshot, resume and completed registration form
SIGN UP GENIUS:
http://bit.ly/2peJyTq
REGISTRATION FORM:
http://bit.ly/2MWCrrx
CASTING:
JACK KELLY, Tenor, Male, to play 17 years old:
The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies. Jack is an orphaned dreamer and artist who yearns to escape the crowded streets of New York City in favor of a better life out West. Fiercely protective of his best friend, Crutchie, and extremely 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 heartfelt vulnerability – especially when it comes to bantering with a certain female reporter. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality.
CRUTCHIE, Tenor, Male, to play 14-16:
Named because of his bum leg, Crutchie is the heart of the resistance, due to his goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic outlook on life. He doesn’t let his disability define him, although it does help him sell more papers. He is a best friend and younger brother figure to Jack. He should have a youthful, sunny sweetness that makes the audience immediately fall in love with him.
KATHERINE PLUMBER, Pop Soprano with strong mix-belt, Female, to play 18-19 years old:
An ambitious young reporter who works hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when working women aren’t taken seriously. Quick, funny, and resourceful, she boldly captures the voice of the younger generation as she covers the newsies’ strike. She has no time for cocky, entitled men, but eventually finds a soft spot for Jack. She should have a great pop belt with great diction, as her solo involves quick pattering lyrics.
DAVEY, Tenor, Male, to play 15-18:
The straight-laced, thoughtful older brother to Les. Starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living but becomes swept up in the fight for young workers’ rights. A leader (though in a different way than Jack), Davey uses his words and his brains to organize the resistance.
LES, Unchanged voice (Boy soprano), Male, to play 10 years old:
Davey’s cheeky, smart-alecky little brother is amazed and inspired by the newsie lifestyle. He is precocious, charming, funny; a natural salesman. His energy and fervor should match all the newsies, despite him being so young.
MEDDA LARKIN, Soprano/Mezzo with strong mix/belt, Female, to play 25-35:
The big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery, Medda offers her theatre as a safe haven for the newsies. She should be a great entertainer with cheeky, comedic delivery. She’s a welcoming supporter of Jack’s dream and the newsies’ revolution.
JOSEPH PULITZER, Baritenor, Male, to play 50-55:
A pompous businessman, Pulitzer is the owner of the World (the “World” newspaper) and is only concerned with the bottom line and making a profit. He relishes in his wealth and loves to be in control. He doesn’t sympathize with the strikers and is the main antagonist to Jack. It is revealed later on that he is Katherine’s father.
NEWSIE ENSEMBLE, All Voice Types, Males & Females, to play 14-18 years old:
The hard-working, streetwise kids who sell newspapers on the streets of New York and go on strike for a livable wage. The newsies should be athletic & energetic dancers, with great voices and individual characters. Some of the featured newsies include ALBERT, BUTTONS, ELMER, FINCH, HENRY, IKE, JOJO, MIKE, MUSH, RACE, ROMEO, SPECS, SPLASHER, TOMMY BOY, & SPOT CONLON. Some of the Newsie Ensemble may also double as THE DELANCEY BROTHERS and BILL & DARCY HEARST.
ADULT ENSEMBLE, All Voice Types, Males & Females, to play 25-60:
The adult ensemble should have great voices and physicality, but intense dance skills are not required. They will play a range of characters, which may be doubled, including:
THE BOWERY BEAUTIES (Females): Medda’s back-up dancers.
NUNS (Females): Charitable nuns who feed the newsies breakfast.
WIESEL (Male): The kids call him “Weasel”; he works for Pulitzer by distributing newspapers to the kids.
SEITZ (Male): An editor who advises Pulitzer, he ultimately admires the newsies’ efforts.
BUNSEN (Male): Pulitzer’s finance man, who comes up with the idea to raise prices and keep wages the same.
HANNAH (Female): Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary. Should have great comedic timing.
NUNZIO (Male): Pulitzer’s barber.
GUARD (Male): Kicks the newsies out of Pulitzer’s building.
SNYDER (Male): The sinister, cruel warden of the Refuge (a filthy, decrepit orphanage); wants to catch kids in order to earn a larger paycheck.
STAGE MANAGER (Any gender): Introduces Medda’s act.
PHOTOGRAPHER (Any gender): Takes photo of newsies at the end of “Seize the Day,” which makes the front page.
WOMAN (Female): A newspaper customer.
MR. JACOBI (Male): Lets the newsies plan their rebellion in his restaurant when he has no customers.
MAYOR (Male): The Mayor of New York City who refuses to shut down the newsies’ rebellion.
GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT (Male): The Governor of New York who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
POLICEMEN (Male): Assist Snyder and get into a fight with the Newsies at the end of Act One.
