The newsies trading card bios.
Les. At age 10 (almost!) he is the youngest of the newsies. Despite his youth, this kid knows how to sell a pape! Looks up to his big brother Davey and would do anything to help Jack and the newsies win their strike.
Davey. Davey’s parents are struggling with money so he and his brother sell papers to help support the family. At first he is timid around the other newsies, but eventually comes out of his shell and finds a place of belonging among them.
Mush. Considers himself Jack’s muscle and confidant. Came to the group missing front teeth, giving him a slight speech impediment and his nickname. Lives in Harlem and plans on eventually opening the most happening juke joint in all of New York!
Specs. One of the more easygoing newsies. Does what he is told and happy to do it because he loves selling papes! Biggest dream is to help all the visually-impaired newsies by inventing an alternative to glasses.
Oscar Delancey. A New York City native who is proud of sharing a name with the famous Delancey Street. Considers himself the “brains” of the Delanceys’ operations and leaves most of the dirty work to his brother, Morris.
Sniper. Sneaky and self-sufficient son of Sam Wah, who owns the laundry above Jacobi’s Deli. Named for his incredible aim, he is the quickest and strongest of the newsies, who revere him - and stay out of his way!
Elmer. Youngest of nine Polish children. Loves to crack jokes, especially at his own expense. A whiz at math, he runs a dice game and helps the newsies balance their books. Also plays a mean set of spoons!
Katherine. An energetic and gifted writer. Although born into the upper class, she is determined to establish herself as a serious reporter. The newsboys’ strike may just be the chance she needs to start her career!
Race. Racetrack Higgins is a veteran at the Newsboys’ Lodging House. Having lived there most of his orphaned life, he is never spotted without his cigar and is always cracking jokes.
Buttons. Benjamin Davenport got his nickname after losing all of his vest buttons while selling newspapers. He’s quick with a sewing kit and has a desire for playing and dancing with food utensils (spoons, to be exact).
Morris Delancey. Born in SoHo and worked on the family farm. Abandoned by his parents, believes in survival of the fittest and sticks like glue to his brother, Oscar. They work with their Uncle Wiesel, keeping order at the distribution window of The World.
Crutchie. The ultimate optimist. The crippling effects of polio have left him with a bum leg but you won’t find him looking for sympathy. A tough little guy, he’s always got a wisecrack and a smile.
Jo Jo. Raised by nuns in a Harlem cathedral. Full given name: Jorgelino Josephino De La Guerra. Despite his sunny disposition, he is quite mischievous and strives to be the richest newsie in town.
Finch. Patrick “Finch” Cortes resides with his fellow newsies after running away from home at a young age. With his trusty slingshot, loves to perfect his sharpshooting with small objects along Bottle Alley. Driven, but also loves a good laugh and drink at Jacobi’s.
Henry. Became a newsie at age 11, having to leave the family-owned deli after his father died. His love of food makes him something of an epicure amongst his fellow newsies.
Spot Conlon. Rumor has it he once beats up a group of boys on the Steeplechase Ride while it was in motion. The leader of the Brooklyn newsies, he’s got the brains and the brawn and is the only one who can stand up to the famous Jack Kelly.
Romeo. The flirt of the newsies, he’s always hitting on the ladies. Though his charm and smooth-talking doesn’t always work, it don’t stop him from trying!
Albert. Albert DaSilva lives with his father and two older brothers on the Lower East Side. Started selling papes to help his family after his mother died. A prankster who can often be caught stealing cigars from his fellow newsies.
Jack Kelly. A charismatic and natural-born leader. Cares deeply for his fellow newsies, even if it means letting go of his own dreams of traveling west. A gifted artist, he frequently paints backdrops for Miss Medda Larkin’s theater.
