"Newsies" Musical Needs Boys and Girls

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. Jack has a big heart and can demonstrate a sweet vulnerability - especially when it comes to bantering with a certain female reporter.

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," she should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt.

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.

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.

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 sales person and a pint-sized charmer. This role should be presented a younger newsie.

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.

Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.

The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in "Brooklyn's Here."

The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies.

The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause.

Runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted bythe intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer's disgruntled paper- pusher.

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.

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.

Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies.

Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids' newspaper.

Pulitzer's bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies' price per paper.

Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary.

The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catchin enough kids to keep his government checks coming.

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.

Performers at Medda's Theater.