Don Gingold / Wednesday, October 19, 2022 / Categories: Coming Soon

Newsies

Weekends July 21 - August 6, 2023, Naperville Central HS Auditorium

Event date: 7/21/2023 7:30 PM - 8/6/2023 3:00 PM Export event

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein

Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

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.

 

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!

Material to Prepare

Bring a Headshot/Resume 

Please prepare to sing 16 bars of a song that shows off your voice. Bring sheet music of the song you've prepared. An accompanist will be provided. No a capella or recorded music. Dress comfortably for the dance audition.

Please bring any conflicts between May 30th-August 6th. No conflicts submitted after the first read-through will be accepted

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 

Time Commitment

First Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 30th: 7pm

Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Sunday, 6-9pm, Monday-Thursday, 7-10pm

No Rehearsal on Tuesday, July 4th

Sitzprobe: Thursday, July 13th

Tech week begins Sunday, July 16th

Rehearsals will take place at Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Naperville Central High School, and Fort Hill Activity Center, all in Naperville.

Performances: Naperville Central High School Auditorium (440 West Aurora Ave Naperville, IL 60540)  Friday, July 21st-Sunday, August 6th. 

Performance times: 9 performances - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00pm

Mandatory strike after Sunday, August 6th performance

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”

Invitation to all social and educational events planned for the year. TIcket can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/5h2m56rc  

If you have questions or encounter problems with submitting your application, please email us at sptnewsies@gmail.com

In case you would like to familiarize yourself with the songs from the show and which songs each character sings, we have provided a list below -

Song List

Act 1

Santa Fe (Prologue): Jack and Crutchie

Carrying the Banner: Jack, Newsies and Nuns

The Bottom Line: Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen and Hannah

Carrying the Banner (Reprise): Newsies

That’s Rich: Medda

I Never Planned on You/Don’t Come a-Knocking: Jack and Bowery Beauties

The World Will Know: Jack, Davey, Les, Crutchie and Newsies

The World Will Know (Reprise): Jack, Davey, Les and Newsies

Watch What Happens: Katherine

Seize the Day: Davey, Jack, Les and Newsies

Santa Fe: Jack

Act 2

King of New York: Katherine, Les, Davey and Newsies

Letter from The Refuge: Crutchie

Watch What Happens (Reprise): Davey, Jack, Katherine and Les

The Bottom Line (Reprise): Pulitzer, Seitz and Bunsen

Brooklyn’s Here: Spot and Newsies

Something to Believe In: Katherine and Jack

Seize the Day (Reprise): Newsies

Once and for All: Jack, Davey, Katherine and Newsies

Seize the Day (Reprise 2): Newsies

Finale Ultimo: Full Company

Audition info

Who:

Director: Mike Frale

Vocal Director: Ali Kordelewski

Music Director: Kitty Karn

Choreographer: Savannah Sinclair

Stage Manager: Madalyn Quitter

Producers: Taylor Weisz, Matt Whalen

Sign up Here: 

https://forms.gle/Q27gj5FLFHcH5DHz5 

Forms to fill out. (feel free to fill out, print and bring to the audition, otherwise, you can when you arrive)

Read the waiver here, then sign the audition form (and have your parent/guardian sign it if you are under 18) if you agree to the waiver's statements.

Read the code of conduct here, then sign the audition form (and have your parent/guardian sign it if you are under 18) if you agree to abide by the code of conduct.

Performances will be held over 3 weekends - July 21 through August 6, 2023 - at the Naperville Central HS Auditorium.

Tickets are on sale now!  Buy a season or VIP ticket for both The Pajama Game and Newsies and save some money - you KNOW you're going to want to see both!

Ticket Information

NEWSIES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre Intermational (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

Mike Frale (Director) Mike is thrilled to be making his Summer Place Theatre debut directing "Newsies." He is a graduate of Lewis University with a B.A. in Theatre and is currently working towards his Master's in Organizational Leadership. Select directing credits include the Lou Award Recommended, 12-time BroadwayWorld Award-nominated production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" (Theatre 121), "The Guys", "A Night in the Theatre" and "Constellations" (all with Heritage Theatre Company) and "Deathtrap" (Theatre 121). He has also served as the Production Manager for Schaumburg Summer Theatre, where he has assistant directed multiple shows including this summer's "The SpongeBob Musical". Some acting credits include Ted in "Peter and the Starcatcher" and Peter in "Company" (both with Wheaton Drama), Bobby Strong in "Urinetown" (Philip Lynch Theatre), and Paul/General Howell in "Kiss Me, Kate" (ECC). Mike is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and also serves as the Board Secretary for the Lou Awards. He can't wait to get started carrying the banner on this incredible production! www.mikefrale.com

 

Kitty Karn (Music Director) is a singer/actor and voice teacher who has musically and/or vocally directed over 30 shows at the community, college and professional level since 2002. She moved to the area in 2019 after 15 years as Professor of Musical Theatre/Voice at Western Illinois University. Currently, Kitty is an Adjunct Professor of Voice the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as the Music Director for Unity of Fox Valley in Batavia. Kitty maintains a private voice studio with students of all ages and skill levels. As a performer, some of her favorite roles include Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Chaperone in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’, Marmee in ‘Little Women’, Florence Foster Jenkins in ‘Souvenir’ and Phoebe in ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’. www.kittykarn.com

Savannah Sinclair (Choreographer) is a Chicago based performer, director and choreographer originally from Sarasota, FL. She started her choreography career where anyone does, in the living room at every sleepover. Surrounded by an arts community growing up, Savannah started teaching dance/theatre classes by the time she was 15. She continued to teach and direct multiple Broadway Juniors for Spotlight Theatre Productions. During her time in college, she had the opportunity to stage “Testimony”, conducted by Judith Clurman, a number for DGF: Toasts Celebrating Stephen Schwartz 70th Birthday at the Hudson Theatre in NYC. In 2020, she graduated with a degree in Musical Theatre from Manhattan School of Music. A pandemic later, she started her career in Chicago directing two productions with Great Works and is excited to start teaching for American Eagle Productions this January. Sentimental for a lost boy/underdog story, Newsies has always been a dream show for her to choreograph. She can’t wait to seize the day with this amazing team!

Ali Kordelewski (Vocal Director for "Newsies") Ali is excited to be joining the Summer Place team for their production of Newsies! This is her Summer Place debut, though she is not new to Naperville community theatre. She music directed at North Central College for many summer productions including Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Music Man, and Peter Pan. Ali is a graduate from North Central College with a BA in Music Education and a Theatre Endorsement. She also earned her Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. Ali teaches choir at Plainfield East High School and directs the madrigals and the spring musicals, most recently Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. She also teaches classes for the Children's Theatre of Western Springs. Ali loves spending time with her family and friends, and she cannot wait to "seize the day" this summer.