Note: ages listed are approximate and represent how the characters read onstage, not
necessarily the ages of the performers. Please note, where applicable, any
requirements for on-stage intimacy or physicality.

JACK KELLY ( Male) 17-29

Vocal range: Bb2-A4. The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, Jack is an orphaned dreamer and
artist who yearns for a place where his future isn’t confined by the box he has been placed in. He finds
that hope in a location he views to be as different from New York as possible – Santa Fe. 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 those he lets through his facade. Looking for a great pop tenor
voice and sense of physicality. Physically demanding with stage combat required. Kisses Katherine.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

KATHERINE PLUMBER (Female) 17-29

Vocal range: A3-F5. An ambitious young reporter, Katherine shares the same desire as Jack to make a
life of her own away from any boxes her situation has put her in. She shuns her silver spoon and 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 boldy captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of
the newsies’ strike. She has an uncanny ability to see past what people want her to, to find the real human
beneath. So although initially off put by his facade, she is uniquely able to bring out the real Jack Kelly.
Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt and be a phenomenal actress able
to switch objectives on a dime. Should be able to move well and tap. Kisses Jack.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

CRUTCHIE (Male) 17-29

Vocal range: C3-A4. A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that’s painful, but he doesn’t want to be his
“crutch” to sell more papes. An eternal optimist, he is focused on making the lives of those around him
better. 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
is still included in the dance numbers and should have a good sense of physicality and movement. Stage
combat required.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

DAVEY (Male) 17-29

Vocal range: D3-A4. A straight-laced, bright, big brother with an innate sense of responsibility, loyalty,
and what is right. He starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living, but those same traits allow
him to become 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. Should be able to move well. Stage combat
required.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

JOSEPH PULITZER (Male) 35-60

Vocal range C3-F4. A powerful historic figure, Pulitzer owns the World (literally and figuratively) and is
concerned primarily with the bottom line. Katherine’s no-nonsense father, Pulitzer begrudgingly sees
himself in Jack and fights allowing himself to see that he could go down a different path.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

MEDDA LARKIN (Female) 25-55

Vocal range F3-E5. 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 finds subtle ways to help
others develop talents and see that they are not defined by social station. Stands firmly behind the newsies
in their fight for justice.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

LES (Male) 9-12

Vocal range Db3-Bb3. 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 pintsized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies. Preferably seeking a mature young
actor with an unbroken voice who can move well and has a good sense of physicality. Possible stage
combat.

Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

NEWSIES (Males Only) 15-30

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. Must be strong movers; seeking those, especially, with experience in gymnastics, tumbling, and
acrobatics as well as traditional dance genres to include tap and ballet. Stage combat required.
Production team will also look at the possibility of casting newsies solely based on their dance and/or
solely based on their vocal ability. Some newsies will be unnamed and will have varying levels of
involvement and stage time.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

OSCAR and MORRIS DELANCEY (Male) 16-30

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. Will also double as the sons of famous publishers
of the Tribune and William Randolph Hearst. Stage combat required.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

SEITZ (Male) 30-70

Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper. Possible stage combat.

BUNSEN (Male) 30-70

Bunsen: Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.
Will also double as the Stage Manager that introduces Medda’s act. Possible stage combat.

HANNAH (Female) 20-70

Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary. Strong comedic timing.

ROOSEVELT / NUNZIO (Male) 30-60

Governor Teddy Roosevelt: A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
Possible stage combat.

Nunzio: Pulitzer’s barber.

SNYDER (Male) 45-65

The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with
catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming. Possible stage combat.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

WIESEL / MR. JACOBI / MAYOR (Male) 30-65

Runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the
intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled
paper- pusher.
Will also play Mr. Jacobi. Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike – when he
doesn’t have any paying customers, that is.
Will also play the Mayor The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the
newsies’ strike. Possible stage combat.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

BOWERY BEAUTIES / NUNS (Female) 18-50

The Bowery Beauties: Female performers at Medda’s Theater.
Nuns: The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities