“Seize the Day”: Audition Songs for Newsies by Character : PerformerStuff More Good Stuff

“Seize the Day”: Audition Songs for Newsies by Character

Written by Tiffany Wilkie

November 7, 2018

If you’re auditioning for Newsies soon, check out these audition numbers ideal for every role!

Auditioning for Jack Kelly (Tenor)

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.

1. “Go The Distance” from Hercules

Get the Sheet Music Here

2. “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Get the audition cut here

3. “Raise a Little Hell” from Bonnie and Clyde

Auditioning for Crutchie (Tenor)

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.

4. “Grow For Me” from Little Shop of Horrors

Get the audition cut here

5. “I Believe in You” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

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6. “Seventeen” from Tuck Everlasting

Auditioning for Davey (Tenor)

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.

7. “Proud of Your Boy” from Aladdin

Get the audition cut here

8. “I Believe” from The Book of Mormon

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Auditioning for Les (Tenor)

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.

9. “I Like It” from A Bronx Tale

10. “Thirteen” from 13 the Musical

Get the audition cut here

Auditioning for Katherine Plumber (Mezzo-Soprano)

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 resourcesful, she boldy 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. 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.

11. “Times are Hard for Dreamers” from Amélie

Get the sheet music here

12. “Better” from Little Women

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13. “I’m Your Man” from Meet John Doe

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Auditioning for Joseph Pulitzer (Baritone)

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.

14. “Blood in the Water” from Legally Blonde

15. “Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago

Get the sheet music here

Auditioning for Medda Larkin (Mezzo-Soprano)

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.