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The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will hold auditions for Newsies April 30-May 2 in the Rehearsal Hall located at 724 Market Street.
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the 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.
The directorial staff is looking for a cast of 35 to 40 people, ages 13 and up. In addition to the newsies, there are several larger adult roles and smaller supporting characters.
Auditions will consist of choreography, singing, and readings. A complete packet of audition information (including song selections, character readings, and other audition details) is available at https://www.actors-guild.com/newsies.html.
A pre-audition workshop will be held in the Guild Rehearsal Hall on April 15 from 1-3 PM. The workshop will focus primarily on dance that is needed for the show and may include tap, tricks, acrobatics, and special skills. The audition piece also will be taught. Attendees are asked to wear appropriate footwear for dancing (including tap shoes if you have them). Workshop attendance is strongly encouraged, but not required.
Auditions will be held 2-4 p.m. April 30 for newsie ensemble and Katherine candidates. Auditions will begin 6:30 p.m. May 1 for all principal roles and the adult ensemble. Callbacks for principal roles, newsie ensemble, and new auditioners will be held 6:30 p.m. May 2.
The cast includes:
Jack Kelly: 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 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. Character Age: 16 to 20 Vocal range: A4 - Bb2.
Crutchie: A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful but helps sell more papers. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn't let it define him. 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. Character Age: 13 to 17 Vocal range: A4-C3.
Davey: Les's strait-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. Character Age: 15 to 20 Vocal range: A4-D3.
Les: 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. Character Age: 10 to 15 Vocal range: Bb3-Db3.
Newsies: Some of the hard- working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage. Gender: both. Character Age: 13 to 20.
Scabs: Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike. Character Age: 10 to 20.
Spot Conlon: The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in "Brooklyn's Here." Character Age: 17 to 20.
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. 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. Character Age: 16+ Vocal range: F5-A3.
Darcy: The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Character Age: 15 to 20.
Bill: The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies’ cause. Character Age: 15 to 25.
Wiesel 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. Character Age: 35 to 55.
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. Character Age: 15 to 20.
Goons: Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies. Character Age: 15-20.
Joseph Pulitzer: A pompous businessman through and through who 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. Character Age: 35 to 50 Vocal range: F4- C3.
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. Character Age: 45 to 65.
Medda Larkin: 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. Character Age: 25 - 45 Vocal range: E5-F3.
Mr. Jacobi: Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike - when he doesn't have any paying customers. Character Age: 35 to 55.
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. Character Age: 35+.
Hannah: Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary. Character Age: 20 to 40.
Nunzio: Pulitzer's barber. Character Age: 30 to 50.
Guard: The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer's building. Character Age: 20 to 60.
The Bowery Beauties: Female performers at Medda's Theater. Character Age: 18 to 30.
Stage Manager: Introduces Medda’s act. Character Age: 25 to 55.
Nuns: The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies.
Photographer: Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of "Seize the Day."
Woman: A newspaper customer.
Policemen: Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies.
Mayor: The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer's attempts to shut down the newsies' strike.
Gov. Teddy Roosevelt: A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
Ensemble
The show will run Aug. 4-20.
The production staff for Newsies includes: Robin White, director; Pete Sour, music director; Natalie Bradley and Hannah White, assistant directors; Morgan Parsons, choreographer; Lydia White, production assistant; Trish Swaney, costumer; and Nathan Arnold, technical director.
The show is sponsored by The Deitzler Foundation.