The CM Performing Arts Center will be holding auditions for DISNEY'S NEWSIES THE BROADWAY MUSICAL at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre on Monday, February 25th & Tuesday, February 26th at 7:30pm. Boys auditioning for Les will be seen first. Callbacks will be on Thursday and Saturday. Rehearsals will begin the first week of March. Performances are May 18-June 8.
Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, NEWSIES is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack rallies Newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director/Choreographer - Ashley Nicastro
Musical Director - Matthew W. Surico
Stage Manager - Amanda Wenchel
Bring headshot/resume and prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show with sheet music - an accompanist will be provided. Be prepared to dance following the vocal audition, with either sneakers or jazz shoes. We will be considering some women as Newsies if necessary, so be prepared to dance as well. If you cannot make auditions, please email Ashley at Nicastro_ashley@yahoo.com. The role of Medda Larkin has been cast. ALL OTHER ROLES ARE OPEN
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
JACK KELLY - The charismatic leader of the Manhattan Newsies, he's 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. Though living on the streets has given him a tough-guy exterior, he has a big heart and can demonstrate sweet vulnerability. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality.
DAVEY - Les's straight-laced, bright big brother who 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.
CRUTCHIE - Jack Kelly's best friend and a dedicated Newsie with a bum leg that's painful, but helps sell more papers. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, he doesn't let it define him. He relies on his goofy, sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is the heart of the resistance.
LES - Davey's cheeky younger brother, he's inspired by the freedom of the Newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. A precocious and natural Newsie, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. Age range: 9-12 years old
KATHERINE PLUMBER - An ambitious young reporter who 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. Must have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt. Must be able to tap dance.
JOSEPH PULITZER - A pompous businessman through and through, owns The World and is concerned solely with the bottom line. He doesn't sympathize with the strikers, but he doesn't eventually, and grudgingly, respect Jack.
NEWSIES - Hard-working kids that go on strike for a livable wage. Includes Race, Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, JoJo, Mike, Ike, Mush, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, Tommy Boy, etc. Some Newsies will also double roles such as Spot Conlon, Bill, Darcy, etc. Must be ages 16+ and strong dancers.
WIESEL - Or "Weasel," runs the distribution window for The World and knows most of the Newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, Wiesel is Pulitzer's disgruntled paper-pusher. Doubles as other roles. Age range: 30-50
OSCAR and MORRIS DELANCEY - 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. Double as other roles. Age range: 20-30
FEMALE ENSEMBLE - Looking for 3 young women to portray various roles such as Hannah, Nuns, Bowery Beauties, etc. and possibly double as Newsies. Age range: 18-30
MALE ENSEMBLE - Looking for 5 adult men to portray various roles such as Seitz, Bunsen, Snyder, Nunzio, Mr. Jacobi, Roosevelt, etc. Age range: 30-50
