"Newsies Jr." Musical Needs Kids and Teens

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

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 should be a strong singer and actor with excellent diction.

Jack’s best friend and a dedicated newsie with a “bum leg” from polio that causes pain, but helps sell more papers. Strong acting role.

Les’s 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. Must be a strong actor and singer.

Davey’s cheeky younger sibling, is excited by the newsies’ freedom and loves their independent lifestyle. Should present as younger than the other newsies.

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. Strong actor and singer.

Includes the roles of the upbeat and charming Ada, Olive, and Ethel. A group of vaudeville performers in Medda’s act.

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. A non-singing role for a strong actor with a sharp and imposing presence.

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.

A photographer who works with Katherine.

Katherine’s upper class friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner

Katherine’s upper class friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.

Featured in “Once and For All,” they represent all of the other childlaborers who receive the Newsies Banner and ultimately become a part of the children’s crusade. These working kids can be part of the larger newsie ensemble (no solo lines)

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

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

Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies.

The crooked warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory. Sinister stage presence.

A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.

Includes the role of the Police Chief. They intimidate the newsies and arrest Crutchie.

An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.

A newspaper customer.