A 2022 Summer Production
June 27th - July 17th, 2022
Teen Summer Production (For ages 13-16 year olds)
Mondays through Fridays
Times: 10am through 5pm
Synopsis
At dawn on a summer morning in 1899, Newsies - the young boys and girls of New York who peddle newspapers to Customers throughout the city - chaotically shout the daily headlines. Away from the others, Jack Kelly shares his dream for a better life out west with his best friend, Crutchie ("Santa Fe - Prologue"). Jack and Crutchie join the rest of the newsies in starting the day ("Carrying the Banner"). They gather at the New York World's distribution wagon, where they pick up their daily stacks of papers from Wiesel and his goons, Oscar and Morris Delancey. Jack offers to show the ropes to newcomers Davey and his kid sibling Les, and together they head out into the city ("Carrying the Banner - Reprise").
Meanwhile, Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the World, vows to fight declining circulation of the newspaper. He and his staff - Bunsen, Seitz, and Hannah - cook up an idea, but at the expense of the newsies.
After completing a successful day of selling papes, Jack, Crutchie, Davey, and Les are chased suddenly by Snyder, the warden of The Refuge, until they find safety in Medda's theater. Medda Larkin welcomes Jack and his friends by offering her theater as a safe haven while they watch her perform with Ada, Olive, Ethel, and the rest of the Bowery Brigade ("Just a Pretty Face"). During the performance, Jack notices Katherine, a bright young reporter he had seen earlier that day. Jack offers his remarkable sketch of the performers to an impressed Katherine for use in her review.
The next morning, the newsies are outraged to learn that Pulitzer has raised the price of newspapers. Prompted by Davey, the newsies decide to form a union and strike ("The World Will Know").
After a successful first day of striking, newly elected union leader Jack Kelly sends representatives to spread the word of their strike to newsies throughout New York City. Katherine begins writing what she hopes will be a front-page-worthy story about the strike ("Watch What Happens").
The next day, only a small group of newsies has gathered at Newsie Square to strike. Davey and Jack energize the newsies, successfully rejuvenating the movement ("Seize the Day - Parts 1 and 2"). Katherine and her photographer Darcy arrive just in time to snap a triumphant photo.
Soon after, Snyder arrives with the police to break up the strikers. They haul Crutchie away to the dreaded Refuge. A defeated Jack once again longs for a new life away from all the pandemonium ("Santa Fe"). Meanwhile, unable to sleep at The Refuge, an optimistic Crutchie writes an encouraging letter to Jack ("Letter from The Refuge").
Bruised and battered, the newsies are about to lose hope. Fortunately, Katherine arrives with a copy of her front-page story about the strike, causing them to break out in celebration ("King of New York").
Later, Davey, Les, and Katherine find a disheartened Jack at Medda's theater, and try to convince him to return to the fight. After his refusal, the Delanceys sneak up behind Jack and drag him to Pulitzer's office to negotiate an end to the strike. Pulitzer reveals Katherine to be his daughter and offers a betrayed Jack a choice: get sent to The Refuge or renounce the strike and leave New York with pockets full of cash.
The rest of the newsies from all across New York - even the intimidating Spot Conlon and the newsies of Brooklyn - gather at Medda's theater for the rally that Davey has planned ("Brooklyn's Here"). Jack arrives, having accepted Pulitzer's deal, and is booed off the stage when he encourages the newsies to call off the strike.
Katherine refuses to let Jack give up, and they sneak into the World's cellar to print a paper that exposes the unfair treatment of the newsies with the help of Dorothy and Bill ("Seize the Day - Reprise"). The kids eagerly distribute the pamphlet to inspire working children all over the city to join the fight ("Once and for All").
The next morning, having read the Newsies Banner, Pulitzer is furious at the newsies' attempt to thwart him. However, after a tough negotiation, Jack convinces Pulitzer to compromise with the newsies: The price increase will remain, but publishers will buy back any unsold papers. The strike is over!
The newsies rejoice as Governor Teddy Roosevelt congratulates Jack. Crutchie appears amid the celebration, followed by a handcuffed Snyder. Just as Jack is about to set out for Santa Fe, he realizes that the newsies are his family and, after all, those papes ain't gonna sell themselves ("Finale").
Newsies Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTIShows).
Tuitions
Ages 13-16 year olds
Mondays through Fridays
Performances on the final weekend
$745.00 Tuition
Tuition Payments must be made in one payment at the time of registration. We do offer some financial assistance to those who need it (see below) and we can offer a payment plan for those who require that as well. Please email our finance department to get a code to use during registration.
If you have any questions about this please contact us: finance@allabouttheatre.org
Scholarships
If you require financial assistance please print out the application below. There are no guarantees and all applications must be received by a week before the start of the program to be considered.
Scholarship / Financial Aid Information
In addition, we offer a deferred payment plan (DPP) for families who cannot pay the lump sump upfront. This is an option you may select during the registration process online.
Cast of Characters
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.
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. Though his movement will suggest his bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers.
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.
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.
Inspired by the African- American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, A big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery (see the “Dramaturgy” document in Downloadable Resources). A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theater as a safe haven for their revolution. Look for a performer who can portray this astute entertainer with great comic delivery, while standing firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.
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.
Aka “Weasel”. A disgruntled paper-pusher who uses the Delancey brothers as his muscle, runs distribution for the World and has little patience or sympathy for the newsies. Feel free to incorporate this actor into the newsies ensemble when possible.
The hard-working kids of New York City who go on strike for a livable wage. Find moments to showcase any talented tumblers or dancers within this group. Given the nature of this show, most other characters can double as newsies to help fill in the musical numbers. Within the newsies ensemble, consider dividing the group into featured dancers and singers in order to play to the strengths of your performers.
These include the following roles: Race, Albert, Muriel, Nancy, Specs, Pigtails, Hazel, Buttons, Tommy Boy, Romeo, Jo Jo, Scabs, Brooklyn Newsies, Spot Conlon.
Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
A photographer who works with Katherine.
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
Featured in “Once and For All,” they represent all of the other child laborers who receive the Newsies Banner and ultimately become a part of the children’s crusade. These working kids can be pulled from your larger newsie ensemble.
The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
Pulitzer’s bookkeeper who helps Pulitzer come up with the idea to raise the newsies’ price per paper.
Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies.
The crooked warden of The Refuge. A filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep their government checks coming. Look for an actor who can evoke an imposing and sinister presence.
A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. Cast an actor with the ability to portray the maturity and stature of this well- respected leader.
Includes the roles of the upbeat and charming Ada, Olive, and Ethel. A group of vaudeville performers in Medda’s act. While only three performers have solos, feel free to make this ensemble group as big or small as best fits your production.
Includes the role of the Police Chief. They intimidate the newsies and arrest Crutchie. Cast as many officers as suits your production.
An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.
A newspaper customer.
Musical Numbers
- Santa Fe (Prologue)
- Carrying the Banner
- Carrying the Banner (Reprise)
- Just A Pretty Face
- The World Will Know
- Watch What Happens
- Seize The Day (Part 1)
- Seize The Day (Part 2)
- Santa Fe / Letter from The Refuge
- King of New York
- Brooklyn's Here
- Seize The Day (Reprise)
- Once and for All
- Finale
Rehearsal Location
831-345-6340 • info@allabouttheatre.org