Auditions for NEWSIES!
Disney’s Newsies The Musical
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
Playwright: Harvey Fienstein
Composer: Alan Menken
Lyricist: Jack Feldman
OVT Production:
Directed by: Ashley Gerhardt
Music Directed by: Tyrus Mataban-Ward
Choreographed by: Kiersten Gasemy
Audition dates: Monday 5/13 7pm-10pm,Tuesday 5/14 7pm-10pm with callbacks(if necessary) Wednesday 5/15 7pm-10pm
Location: Other Voices Theatre 244B South Jefferson St. Frederick, MD 21701
Show dates run 8/2 – 8/18. Tech week 7/27 – 8/1 (please no conflicts during tech or shows)
ALL ROLES OPEN:
Non-Union/Non-Paid. We are seeking a diverse cast of actors/singers/dancers – age range 13 years and older. Performers of all races, ethnicities, orientations and gender identifications are encouraged to audition. Please note specific character breakdowns below. The ages listed are a guideline only. Please prepare 32 bars of a song from the show or a song that best represents the character you’re interested in. Please bring sheet music with you. An accompanist will be provided. Please come prepared to dance and If you own tap shoes, please bring them with you. There will be cold readings from the script. Rehearsals run 4 to 5 times a week and will be determined based on the actor’s availability. If you have any questions, please email the director at newsiesovt24@gmail.com
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
It’s time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney’s Newsies! 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!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS:
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.
Gender: male
Age: 16 to 20
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
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.
Gender: any
Age: 13 to 17
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C3
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.
Gender: male
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: D3
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.
Gender: male
Age: 13 to 15
Vocal range top: Bb3
Vocal range bottom: Db3
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.
Gender: some characters can be either gender which is approved by MTI.
Age: 13 to 20
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.
Gender: female
Age: 17 to 20
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
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.
Gender: male
Age: 35 to 50
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: C3
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.
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 45
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Variety of featured and named ensemble members, which will be doubled.