Newsies Cast Descriptions
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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.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: B3 -
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, Katherine is a strong singer with excellent diction for her showstopping number, “Watch What Happens.”.Gender: FemaleVocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: A3
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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. Must be a strong singer, dancer and actor.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3 -
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.Gender: MaleVocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: B3
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Davey’s cheeky younger sibling, 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.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: B3 -
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.Gender: FemaleVocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: G3
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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.Gender: MaleVocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: G3
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Aka “Weasel”. A disgruntled paper-pusher who uses the Delancey brothers as his muscle, runs distribution for the World and has little patience or sympathy for the newsies.
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These include the following roles: Race, Albert, Muriel, Nancy, Specs, Pigtails, Hazel, Buttons, Tommy Boy, Romeo, Jo Jo, Scabs, Brooklyn Newsies, Spot Conlon, are some of the hard-working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage. Must be strong dancers/singers.
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A photographer who works with Katherine.
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Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
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Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
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Featured in “Once and For All,” they represent all of the other child laborers who receive the Newsies Banner and ultimately become a part of the children’s crusade.
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The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
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Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.Gender: Both
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Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies.
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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.Gender: Both
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A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.Gender: Male
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Includes the roles of the upbeat and charming Ada, Olive, and Ethel. A group of vaudeville performers in Medda’s act.
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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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An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.
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A newspaper customer.Gender: Female
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Includes the role of the Police Chief. They intimidate the newsies and arrest Crutchie.Gender: Male
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