Escondido Christian School
THE LION'S PLAYERS
Musical Theater
To God Be the Glory!
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
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Jack Kelly "Cowboy"
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. We are looking for an actor who can command the stage with ease, possesses strong vocal abilities, and can exude Jack’s tough-guy exterior and his big heart.
Vocal Range
B3 - F5
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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. We are looking to cast a strong actor and singer who can lead “Seize the Day” while smartly portraying the brains of the resistance.
Vocal Range
B3 - D5
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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
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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. We are looking for an actor who can portray Crutchie’s goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is accustomed to modifying daily activities for their disability, so consider both the character and actor’s abilities when auditioning.
Vocal Range
A3 - F5
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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. Quick, funny, and resourceful, Katherine should be a strong singer with excellent diction for her showstopping number, “Watch What Happens.” Katherine and Jack possess a strong bond, so be prepared to show us your "chemistry" with those boys who audition for the character of Jack.
Vocal Range
A3 - D5
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Medda Larkin
Medda is a "big-voiced" singer. A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theater as a safe haven for their revolution. We are looking for a performer who can portray this astute entertainer with great comic delivery, while standing firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.
Vocal Range
G3 - D5
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Wiesel
Aka “Weasel”. A disgruntled paper-pusher who uses the Delancey brothers as his muscle, runs distribution for the "World" newspaper and has little patience or sympathy for the newsies.
He does not have any solos but is the main antagonist character and is in many scenes with the newsies.
Oscar Delancy & Morris Delancy
Two brothers 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. We are looking for actors who can believably portray these threatening goons.
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THE NEWSIES OF NEW YORK:
The hard-working kids of New York City who go on strike for a livable wage.
Within the newsies ensemble,we will be casting "dancing Newsies" and "singing Newsies" as well as highlighting any gymnasts/tumblers.
The following Newsies have speaking and singing lines throughout the show:
Race
Muriel
Pigtails
Nancy
Hazel
Romeo
Albert
Spot Conlin (Leader of the Brooklyn Newsies)
These Newsies have speaking lines but no singing lines:
Specs
Buttons
Tommy Boy
JoJo
Scab 1
Scab 2
Scab 3
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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. For this non-singing role, cast a strong actor with a sharp and imposing
presence.
Gender: Male
Bunson
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.
Seitz
The editor of the World Newspaper who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’
newspaper.
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Snyder
The crooked warden of The Refuge. A filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory. He is
concerned only with catching enough kids to keep their government checks
coming. We are looking for an actor who can evoke an imposing and sinister presence.
Darcy
A photographer who works with Katherine.
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Pat
An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.
Dorothy
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help
the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
Bill
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help
the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
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Police Officers
Includes the role of the Police Chief. They intimidate the newsies and arrest
Crutchie.
Governor Teddy Roosevelt
A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
We are looking for an actor with the ability to portray the maturity and stature of this well respected leader.
Bowery Brigade
A group of vaudeville performers in Medda’s act. Includes the roles of the upbeat and charming Ada, Olive, and Ethel.
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Ensemble Groups
Citizens of New York (including;Woman buying paper)
Police officers
Brooklyn Newsies
Manhatten Newsies
Flushing Newsies
Richmond Newsies
Woodside Newsies
Bronx Newsies