Newsies
Character analysis
JACK KELLY, Male
The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an orphaned dreamer and artist who dreams to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself in the West. Fiercely protective of his friends and strongly loyal. Though living on the streets made him a tough guy on the outside, he has a big heart and can demonstrate vulnerability.
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Katherine Plumber, Female
An ambitious young reporter working hard to make a name of herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when woman aren't taken seriously. Quick, funny and resourceful, she boldly captures the voice of the new generation.
Davey, Male
Les's big brother starts selling newspaper 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 brain of the resistance.
Crutchie, Male OR Female
A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful but helps him sell more papes. Though he walks with the assistance of the crutch that doesen't let it define him. Crutchie is the heart of the newsies resistance.
Les, Male OR Female
Davey's little brother, he's inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. Les is an intuitive salesboy.
Joseph Pulitzer, Male
A pompous businessman through and through, own The World (a major newspaper) and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine's no - nosense father, Pulitzer doesn't sympathize with the strikers but he does eventually.
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Mr(s) Wiesel, Male OR Female playing male
Or "Weasel" runs the distribution window of "the world" and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers who keep order by any means necessary. Wiesel requieres and exaggerated, cartoonish vocal and physical performance.
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Oscar and Morris Delancey, Male OR Female playing male.
Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for The World, take the side of the publishers strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. These roles require two performers who work together well with good comedic timing, but can also be physically intimidating.
Snyder, Male OR Female playing male
The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, he is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming. Although he doesn't work for Pulitzer, he's happy to team up with him to take down the newsies and get his hands on Jack.
Seitz, Male OR Female playing male
An editor of the World who advices Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the newsies paper.
Bunsen, Male OR Female playing male
Pulitzer's bookkepper, comes up with the idea to raise newsies' paper.
Hannah, Female
Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary.
Medda Larkin, Female
This big voice saloon singer and star of The Bowery offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies. She's a good friend of Jack and stands firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.
OTHER NEWSIES, Male or Female playing male
The core group of newsies who work in the same neighborhoods as Jack, Davey, Crutchie and Les, these hard working kids function as a family that cares and help each other. Many of them are orphans or have families outside NY who their send their money to, or have such poor families that they can't live at home, so they become "roomates" with the other newsies as well as close friends.