Description:

Summer Place Theatre in Naperville, IL is holding open auditions for their production of "Newsies!"

Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions

It's time to carry the banner on our stage with Disney's Newsies! 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.

When:
Monday May 22nd at Rubin Center 305 W. Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL

Tuesday May 23rd Fort Hill Activity Center: 20 Fort Hill Drive Naperville, IL

Callbacks: Thursday May 25th: Rubin Center: 305 W. Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL (callback notices will be sent out Tuesday night to those who are called back. Please watch your email.) If you did not receive a callback, it does NOT mean you are not in the show!

Offers will be made by phone between May 26-29. If you are not cast, you will receive an email no later than May 29th

CASTING BREAKDOWN

We are looking to cast the show "age appropriate". For the Newsies, we are asking anyone auditioning be at least 13 years old by July 2023

Jack Kelly (M, lead, tenor, solid mover - dance experience a plus) 18-30: 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.

Katherine Plumber (F, lead, mezzo-soprano, tap experience needed, solid dancer/mover) 18-30: 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, she boldly 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.

Davey (M, lead, tenor, solid mover - dance experience a plus) 18-30: 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.

Les (M, supporting, tenor, mover - tap experience a plus) 13-15, able to play 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.

Joseph Pulitzer (M, supporting, baritone, no dance experience required) 45-65: 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.

Crutchie (M/F, supporting, tenor/alto, no dance experience required) 18-30: is a dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful, but helps sell more papes. 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. Please know that if a female is cast, the role will be presented as female.

Medda Larkin (F, supporting, alto, no dance experience required) 45-50: 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.

Newsies (M/F, featured, any voice part, advanced/intermediate dancers and tappers - tricks a plus) 14-30: The hard-working kids of New York City who go on strike for a livable wage. These characters form the backbone of the production and need to be strong singers, actors and dancers. Everyone has a highlighted moment in the show and some will be playing other characters in the ensemble as well as their Newsie character.

The Delancey Brothers (M, featured, speaking role, no dance experience required - stage combat experience a plus) 18-30: toughs 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 (M/F, featured, speaking role, no dance experience required) 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. Please note that if a female is cast, the role will be presented as female.

Ensemble Roles (M/F, ensemble, dance and stage combat needs dependent on role) 18-65: Various Ensemble Roles (all with solos). All roles require singing of some form, but not all have singing solos.

We encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, genders and abilities to audition.

NOTE: This is an unpaid, non-Equity production.

VIP Ticket Requirement Each cast member will need to purchase a "VIP Ticket" for the Summer Place 2023 Season. This is a $35 discounted season ticket that includes

1 free ticket to Summer Place's production of "The Pajama Game"

A free ticket to "Newsies"