Newsies, JR.

Sunday, June 11 at 11:00 am

Monday, June 12 at 6:00 pm

Performance Dates September 8 - 17

Story by Harvey Fierstein

Music/Lyrics by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman

Director: John B. Nicol

Music Director: Ryan Occena

Choreography: McKenna Oleson

AUDITION LOCATION

WCP/BHCT Walker Building

224 Commercial St.

Waterloo, IA 50701

​

SYNOPSIS

Based on the 1992 film, Newsies JR. tells the true story of the newsboys strike of 1899 with a beautiful, 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, 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.

 

This show is going to have a large cast of people in it, so we’re hoping to get the community excited, and ready to “Seize the Day” with us! Below you’ll find descriptions of the characters! Some roles may be doubled up, so you could have the chance to play multiple of these iconic roles in our show!

 

CAST of CHARACTERS

Ensemble -includes Newsies of New York; the newsies’ customers; citizens of New York of all stripes; the Bowery Brigade; and corrupt Police Officers including the Police Chief; and the working children of New York City.

Jack Kelly -A fiercely loyal and charismatic orphan who dreams of a life out west an boldly leads the Manhattan newsies

Crutchie - A dedicated newsie and Jack Kelly’s ever-optimistic best friend

Katherine - An ambitious young reporter who works hard to make a name for herself; courageously uses her voice to cover the newsies’ strike

Darcy - Katherine’s trustworthy photographer

Morris and Oscar Delancey - toughs who work for the New York World; known to use their fists to make a point

Wiesel - a disgruntled manager of distribution for the World, often called “Weasel” by the newsies

Les - Davey’s cheeky younger sibling who is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle

Davey - Les’s straight-laced, bright older brother who acts as the brains behind the newsies’ strike

Joseph Pulitzer - a pompous businessman and Katherine’s no-nonsense father

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

Seitz - an editor who advises Pulitzer

Hannah - Pulitzer’s secretary who quietly looks out for the newsies.

Snyder - The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge.

Medda Larkin - a big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery who offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies

Pat - The stage manager at Medda’s theater.

Spot Conlon - the proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies with an intimidating reputation

Dorothy and Bill - Katherine’s friends

Governor Theodore Roosevelt - A well-respected, lifelong public servant whom Jack admires.

​

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE!

Initial auditions will consist of three parts: a vocal (musical) audition, a dance/movement audition, and acting audition with selections chosen from the script.

For the dance/movement audition:Please be prepared to dance and move.

For the acting audition: we will perform cold readings of selections from the piece.

For the vocal/music auditions:If you’d like to bring sheet music or a track to sing along to in the audition, feel free to! Otherwise, singing a well known song like “Happy Birthday” is enough for us to get to know your voice!

​

This is a “JR.” production, meaning that the whole cast has to be 18 years old or younger.

​

Our recommended age range for auditioners is between 8 and 18, as some of these dances and songs could get a little complicated for younger children. However, if you think you can bring a fun, positive, energetic attitude, come and audition!

 

We're excited to fill the stage with a bunch of people from all different walks of life!

​

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

All are welcome to join us regardless of previous experience or membership. Interested individuals need only attend one audition session. Neither experience nor membership is required to audition.

 

WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Scripts will be available for a week-long perusal with a $10 deposit. Please stop by the WCP/BHCT Walker Building during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm) to pick up a script.

Please contact us at 319-235-0367 or anita.ross@wcpbhct.org if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Misery

Sunday, July 30 at 3:00 pm

Tuesday, August 1 at 7:00 pm

Performance Dates October 13 - 22