Newsies: The Strike Rewritten Script Read
Project Overview
About the Project
Newsies: The Strike Rewritten is an alternate‑universe cold read of the classic 1899 Newsboys Strike story — but with a twist. In this version, Madame Morrible steps into the world of New York City as Pulitzer’s right‑hand lady, adding political intrigue, manipulation, and a subtle magical undertone to the familiar conflict. Her presence reshapes the power dynamics of the strike, forcing Jack, Katherine, and the Newsies to confront a far more strategic opponent.
This AU also includes a brief cameo from Samantha Parkington, bringing a touch of historical charm and outside perspective to the chaos of the strike.
This project is a voice‑only cold read, focused on character interpretation, spontaneity, and exploring how one new force can rewrite the entire story.
This will be performed in Late September-Early October
Voice Actor
A charismatic dreamer with a stubborn streak. Jack is fiercely protective of the Newsies and determined to fight for a better life. In this rewritten strike, he’s forced to confront a more calculating Pulitzer — now backed by Morrible — pushing him to grow sharper, braver, and more strategic.
If they think they can scare us quiet, they don’t know who they’re dealing with
I’m not running. Not this time. New York deserves better — and so do we.
“You give me one good reason to back down, and maybe I’ll listen. But I doubt you’ve got one
Voice Actor
A sharp, witty journalist determined to expose the truth. Katherine becomes even more essential in this AU, uncovering Morrible’s influence and the deeper political games behind the strike.
A story isn’t dangerous — the people who fear it are.”
If Morrible’s involved, this isn’t just business. It’s strategy. And we need to be smarter.
I don’t write to make friends. I write to make change.
Voice Actor
Cold, calculating, and convinced he’s the only one capable of controlling New York’s future. With Morrible at his side, he becomes more dangerous — not louder, but sharper.
Morrible sees potential where others see chaos. That’s why she’s invaluable.
Power isn’t taken. It’s maintained. And I intend to maintain mine.
The strike ends when I say it ends. Not before.
Voice Actor
Elegant, persuasive, and quietly intimidating. Morrible operates behind the scenes, advising Pulitzer with a blend of political cunning and subtle menace. Her presence shifts the entire tone of the conflict.
Influence is far more effective than force, Mr. Pulitzer. Let me handle the boys.
Chaos is predictable. Children are predictable. I assure you, this strike will fold.
My dear, you mistake kindness for weakness. I assure you, I possess neither.
Voice Actor
Thoughtful, principled, and grounded. Davey becomes the moral compass of the group, pushing Jack to think before acting and helping the Newsies stay organized against Morrible’s tactics.
We can’t fight fear with more fear. We need a plan.
If Morrible’s advising Pulitzer, we’re up against more than numbers.
I’m scared too. But that doesn’t mean we stop.
Voice Actor
Energetic, curious, and full of heart. Les brings levity to the strike but also unexpected bravery when the stakes rise.
If they’re scared of us, that means we’re doing something right!
Jack, tell me what to do. I wanna help.
She looked at me like she already knew what I was thinking… kinda creepy.
Voice Actor
Warm, optimistic, and resilient. Crutchie’s hope keeps the group together, even when Morrible’s influence makes the strike feel unwinnable. Sacrificed himself to the refuge for the strike and used by Pulitzer to corrupt Jack.
We’ve been through worse. Maybe not… Morrible‑level worse, but still.
Hope’s not a weakness. It’s what keeps us standing.
If they want us quiet, they’re gonna have to try harder.
Voice Actor
Loud, loyal, and quick‑witted. Race brings humor and fire to the group, often acting before thinking — but always with heart.
The World is yer erster! Yer erster? The fancy clam with de pole inside
You don't need money when you're famous, they gives you whatever you want. Gratis!
Pulitzer’s got a new lady boss? Great. Just what we needed.
Voice Actor
Tough, commanding, and fiercely protective of Brooklyn. Spot doesn’t trust easily, especially when Morrible enters the picture.
Brooklyn don’t scare easy. Morrible or not
If you want my help, you better tell me everything
Power’s only real if people believe in it. I don’t.
Voice Actor
Medda is warm, theatrical, and fiercely protective of the Newsies. In this AU, she also doubles as Aunt Cornelia, a refined, sharp‑eyed woman with a quiet strength and a knack for reading people — including Morrible. Medda brings heart; Cornelia brings insight. Together, they add emotional grounding and adult perspective to the strike.
Kids like you deserve a stage, not a battlefield. But if it’s a fight you’re in, you won’t be in it alone.
Pulitzer may think he runs this city, but he forgets who fills its seats and sings its songs.
Samantha , dear — some people hide their power behind politeness. Morrible hides hers behind silence
Voice Actor
Cruel, opportunistic, and always looking for a chance to assert control. Snyder thrives on intimidation, but Morrible’s arrival threatens his sense of authority. He becomes more desperate, more volatile, and more dangerous as the strike escalates.
You boys think you’re heroes. Heroes don’t last long in my refuge
Pulitzer’s got his fancy advisor now, but I still run the streets
Hope won’t save you. It never does.”
Voice Actor
Wiesel is jittery, snappy, and loyal to whoever pays him. He enforces Pulitzer’s orders without question — until the AU twist: he also doubles as Theodore Roosevelt, whose calm authority and moral clarity contrast sharply with Wiesel’s nervous energy. This dual role gives the actor a chance to show range.
Orders are orders. Don’t make me repeat myself
I don’t get paid enough to deal with kids who think they’re revolutionaries.
(As Roosevelt) Justice is not a privilege. It is a duty — and I intend to uphold it.
Voice Actor
Kind, observant, and quietly brave. Samantha appears briefly, offering a grounded historical perspective and a moment of warmth amid the tension.
I’ve seen unfairness before… but never like this.
You’re fighting for something important. Don’t forget that.
Children should not be forced to work in factories, sell newspapers and live in slums while their parents, bosses and the police look away. It's time to do something about Pulitzer.
Voice Actor
Samantha's strict and old fashioned Grandmother. Elegant, composed, and deeply principled. Grandmary represents the upper‑class moral compass of the era. Supporter of Pulitzer and determined to keep Samantha away from the strike.
Young lady, you come back here right now!
You don't want to end up like that menace, Jack Kelly!
Pulitzer is the greatest man in the city, and you are just a little girl.
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