Description:

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions will hold auditions for Newsies, playing July 12-August 3, 2019. The show is directed by Reba Hervas, Music directed by Scott Mayer, choreographed by Julia Irvin. Performances are Thursday-Saturday nights with a Saturday matinee as well as an evening performance.

Auditions will be held at the theater location at 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, Illinois

Monday, May 67h at 6:00-9 (By Appointment)
CHILDREN ONLY (Aged 10-15) auditioning for the role of Les and NEWSIES ENSEMBLE
Supporting Cast , Principal and other non-dancing ensemble roles.

Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00-9 (By Appointment)
CHILDREN ONLY (Aged 10-15) auditioning for the role of Les and NEWSIES ENSEMBLE
Supporting Cast , Principal and other non-dancing ensemble roles.

Saturday, May 11 at 9:00-5:00 (By Appointment)
Potential Newsies and Katherines

ABOUT THE SHOW
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!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," and "Santa Fe," Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

AVAILABLE ROLES
All ages are just a suggestion and will be adjusted to fit the needs of our casting.

JACK KELLY (Lead, Male 17-25) - The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an oprhaned 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. 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 bantering with a certain female reporter. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality. Vocal range A4 - Bb2

KATHERINE PLUMBER (Lead, Female 17-25) - 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 resourcesful, she boldy 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," Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt - diction is key. Vocal range F5 - A3

JOSEPH PULITZER (Lead, Male, 35-55) - 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. Vocal range F4 - C3

CRUTCHIE (Supporting, Male or Female 15-25) - A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful, but helps sell more papes. Though s/he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn't let it define him/her; 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 movement will suggest a bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers. Vocal range A4 - C3

DAVY (Supporting, Age 16-25) - 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. Vocal range A4 - D3

LES (Supporting, Male, 10-12) - 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 pint-sized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies. Vocal range Bb3 - Db3

SPOT CONLON (Supporting, Male or Female, 17-20) - The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in "Brooklyn's Here."

DARCY (Supporting, Male or Female, 15-20) - The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Can double as a newsie.

BILL (Supporting, Male, 15-25) - The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause. Can double as a newsie.

WIESEL (Supporting, Male, 35-50) - Or "Weasel," 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.

OSCAR & MORRIS DELANCEY (Supporting, Male, 15-20) - 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.

SNYDER (Supporting, Male or Female, 45-65) - The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep government checks coming.

MEDDA LARKIN (Supporting, Female, 25-45) - 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. Vocal range E5 - F3

MR. (or MRS.) JACOBI (Cameo, Male or Female, 35-55) - Allows the newsies to congregate in the restaurant to plan their strike - when s/he doesn't have any paying customers, that is.

MAYOR (Cameo, Male, 45-60) - The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer's attempts to shut down the newsies' strike.

GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT (Cameo, Male, 50-65) - A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.

THE NEWSIES: (Males & Females, 13-25) - 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. Strong dancers who can sing well (jazz, ballet, tap, acrobatics/tumbling a plus).

SCABS - (Male & Female, 13-20) Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.

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

Bunsen - Pulitzer's bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies' price per paper. Age: 35 to 50

Hannah - Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary. Age: 20 to 40

Nunzio - Pulitzer's barber. Age: 30 to 50

Guard - The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer's building. Age: 20 to 60

Snyder - 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. Age: 45 to 65

The Bowery Beauties - Female performers at Medda's Theater. Age: 18 to 30

Stage Manager Age: 25 to 55

Nuns Age: 20 to 60

Photographer Age: 15 to 25

Woman - A newspaper customer. Age: 15 to 45

Mr. Jacobi - Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike. Age: 35 to 55

Policemen Age: 20 to 60

Mayor Age: 45 to 60

Governor Teddy Roosevelt Age: 50 to 65

ENSEMBLE: (Male & Female) - Male and female singers for the ensemble and chorus specialty parts.

In the original Broadway production, the adult (non-newsie) ensemble comprised eight actors who doubled as indicated below. All other featured roles and understudies were cast from the ensemble of newsies. We may or may not choose to use the following breakdown...

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 - Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Nun / Medda Larkin
MALE ENSEMBLE 1 - Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor
MALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Seitz
MALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Bunsen
MALE ENSEMBLE 4 - Nunzio / Guard / Policeman / Roosevelt
MALE ENSEMBLE 5 - Snyder

All ages listed are "stage-age" or an age you can appear to be.

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals will be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Not everyone will be required to attend every rehearsal. Please fill out your conflict schedule very carefully. Note: No missed rehearsals are allowed after July 5th.

Callbacks will be held May 14th.
If necessary an additional day of callbacks will be held on May 16th.

Material To Prepare:
Please bring sheet music and be prepared to sing up to 32 but no more than one minute of a fully memorized song from Newsies . An accompanist will be provided.

Unless you are auditioning for a part that does not dance you will be required to learn and perform a short dance routine. Please bring proper dance attire.