Newsies Jr

8 - 18 year olds

TERMS 3 AND 4 2024

ALL CAST WEDNESDAYS 5.00 P.M. - 7.00 P.M.

ALL CAST SUNDAYS 10.00 A.M. - 1.00 P.M.

COST

FEES: $525.00

$525 incl GST for tuition and performances in Terms 3 and 4, 2024. The invoice will be sent via Enrolmy. A payment plan is available upon application. There is a compulsory one-off additional cost of $27.00 for the cast tee shirt and tote bag.

When you enrol in this show, each cast member automatically becomes a member of the ensemble. The purpose of the casting auditions is for the creative team to place each student in the role they feel suits them best.

CASTING AUDITIONS

Casting auditions are on Wednesday 24 July

There is a non-refundable cost of $25.00 to attend the casting audition. This is payable prior to the casting audition date. This cost will be deducted from the total fees when your child commits to the show.

Readings, singing requirements and audition details will be sent upon receipt of the audition fee.

FIRST REHEARSAL FOR ALL CAST IS SUNDAY 28 July 2024 10.00 A.M. - 1.00 P.M.

On the day of the first rehearsal we will hold a Question & Answer session for all parents from 12.40 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.

All cast rehearse Wednesdays and Sundays.

Attendance at all dress rehearsals and performances is compulsory. Please ensure your child can commit to all rehearsals and performances.

Dress Rehearsals: Sunday 24 November 2024; Tuesday 26 November 2024; Wednesday 27 November 2024

Performances: #1 Friday 29 November 6.30 p.m.; #2 Saturday 30 November 2.00 p.m.; #3 Saturday 30 November 6.30 p.m.; #4 Sunday 1 December 4.00 p.m.

THE Story

Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right. Including the now-classic songs "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," and "Santa Fe," Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

the characters

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 very loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Gender: Male Vocal range: B3 - F5

Les Davey’s cheeky younger sibling, is excited by the newsies’ freedom and loves their independent lifestyle. This pint-sized charmer should present as younger than the other newsies Vocal range: B3 - F4

Crutchie Jack’s best friend and a dedicated newsie with a “bum leg” from polio that causes pain, but helps sell more papes. Walking with the assistance of a crutch doesn’t define the ever-positive newsie. Vocal range: A3 - F5

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. Gender: Male. Vocal range: B3 - D5

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. Gender: Female Vocal range: A3 - D5

Medda Larkin Inspired by the African- American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, A big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery. A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theater as a safe haven for their revolution. Gender: Female Vocal range top: G3 - D5

Wiesel 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. Gender: Male

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

Bunsen Pulitzer’s bookkeeper who helps Pulitzer come up with the idea to raise the newsies’ price per paper.

Hannah Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies. Gender: Female

Pat An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.

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

Snyder The crooked warden of The Refuge. A filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep their government checks coming.

Seitz The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.

Bill Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner. Gender: Male

Dorothy Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner. Gender: Female

Darcy A photographer who works with Katherine.

Oscar & Morris Delancey Toughs who work distribution for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Gender: Male

Ensemble Includes NEWSIES of New York, RACE, ALBERT, MURIEL, NANCY, SPECS, PIGTAILS, HAZEL, BUTTONS, TOMMY BOY, ROMEO, JO JO, SCABS (1-3) and others; the newsies’ CUSTOMERS; citizens of New York of all stripes, including a WOMAN; the BOWERY BRIGADE, vaudeville performers, including ADA, OLIVE, and ETHEL; and corrupt POLICE OFFICERS, including the POLICE CHIEF; WORKING CHILDREN of New York City