You can definitely cast girls as girl newsies in the ensemble.
Les is a big role and I do not know if it works to make that character a sister to Davey. I personally don’t think it should be changed to a girls role. They are brothers. And my all girl cast was fine with playing the male roles. But historically correct - there were girl newsies. So cast as many as you want. Like one of the lesser parts could be a girl role - but Les is Davey’s brother and that is pretty solid -at least in my view point.
Look at the other characters for gender bending. That’s what I did and that is what the authors suggest.
Hope you have as much fun as I did. T was one of my biggest casts - 30 or so students and we had a blast. I ended up loving that show. And I was hesitant. Now it’s a favorite.
The dancing was daunting but we did it - it’s a dance driven show and we were not used to that. We started rehearsing early and conditioning as well to get it right and build strength.
I’m happy to answer any more of your concerns.
BTW - my students built the printing press and it was great plus an art student on campus did all the art work. It was a real community effort.
AND the Los Angeles Times provided me with bundles upon bundles of old newspapers that we covered with vintage copies. It was great,
Kristin
Original Message:
Sent: 1/5/2021 8:21:00 PM
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: RE: Newsies with girls
Kristin,
Thank you for responding to me! I don't know enough about the show and am trying to cast even more girls without making the girls be guys. Is the Les role one that could be changed to a girl? It is not one that MTI lists as either.
Melinda
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Melinda Carlson
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2021 19:19
From: Kristin Duerr
Subject: Newsies with girls
We did not change that Les was a boy.
But played by a girl? Yes.
I believe in the notes that come with the script - it tells you where you can gender bend.
It's a great resource that comes with your rights package.
I highly suggest you check it out.
Kristin Duerr
Notre Dame Schools of Los Angeles
Original Message:
Sent: 1/5/2021 7:08:00 PM
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: RE: Newsies with girls
Can Les be played as a girl by a girl?
Thank you,
Melinda
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Melinda Carlson
Original Message:
Sent: 01-01-2021 12:24
From: Jill Campbell
Subject: Newsies with girls
Absolutely yes! Historically there were a lot of female newsies. The MTI guide tells you exactly which male roles in the show may be cast as female. You might have to nurture a few more male newsies to make it work, however. Other male principal roles in the show may also be cast as female.
We cast all of the suggested male to female roles as female and with great success.
Go for it if you can, you will not regret the choice.
Original Message:
Sent: 12/31/2020 5:04:00 PM
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: Newsies with girls
Can Newsies work with girls cast as Newsies along with 3-5 strong guys?
Thank you,
Melinda
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Melinda Carlson
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