Bye Bye Birdie

Albert Peterson: (Tenor) He’s our stories central character. What, you thought it was Birdie? Nope. He’s the nervous and high-strung president of Almalou Records. The actor who seeks to fill this role must be a strong vocalist, but he also serves to carry the show’s main action. As such, he must be spot-on in comedic timing and show the core of this man in audition. It’s a great role. Show us something, gents!

Rose Alvarez (Alto): Poor Rose. She really puts up with a lot through the course of the show. Rose is Al’s secretary but dreams of the day when she can adjust his title from “employer” to “hubby.” That was always their plan, but time seems to have slipped away. Despite his oft selfish and callous treatment of Rose, she continues to support him, biding her time. Well, for a while anyway. Every woman has her breaking point. The role of Rose requires a woman who can display a truly strong spirit and a spicy inner being who can’t wait to escape. The role of Rose will be secured by the one in audition who can sell the character’s spirit, both via dialog delivery AND vocals.

Conrad Birdie (Baritone): Not gonna lie, he’s kind of a undesirable sorta’ fellow. He’s rude. He’s arrogant. He doesn’t show much regard for others. He’s rumored to have a drinking problem. Eh, he’s a rock start anyway. This is, essentially, the iconic role of the show. In truth, the character doesn’t have much in terms of dialog, but he does command a heavy swath of vocals. In audition, you must sell the vocals, gentlemen. We also need to see, very clearly, the physicality of Birdie. The show was loosely based on Elvis’ entrance into the army. Give us a few king-like indications of the guy, but don’t go full-blown Elvis. The physicality is very important though. We need to see the performer fluidly at-work during the vocal auditions. I want to see the actual, no frills man during the acting auditions. Show us the change.

Kim MacAfee (Soprano): Well, she’s the president of Sweet Apple’s Conrad Birdie Fan Club. Through random chance, she is selected to delivery Conrad Birdie his final kiss goodbye before leaving to join the army. Seems simple enough, and her political status in the town certainly indicates valid credentials to fulfill the duty. Unfortunately, her boyfriend Hugo has a few reservations. Kim needs to come across as a typical all-American teenage girl of the 1950’s. She’s convinced that she’s already reached adulthood, and enjoys all the marvelous perks that come along with being a woman. Of course, the jolt of news about Birdie’s imminent arrival and her role in seeing him off is enough to send her reeling back down the ladder rungs into pure childhood bliss. Funny scene. Anyway, ladies, if you seek to fill this role, you need to be solid on the vocals. You also need to communicate the black and white line that defines Kim at the crossroads of development where she finds herself.

Mrs. Mae Peterson (Alto): Wonderful character role, ladies. Her vocal requirements are a very minor consideration. Ma Peterson is sold via the read in acting auditions. We’ve heard of the stereotypical “Jewish Mother” before, yes? Well, we’ve not reason to believe the Petersons are Jewish, but Mrs. Peterson does fit the bill for the stereotype popularized in American films and television. Every scene in which she appears presents Mae unabashedly working to guilt trip her poor son. Again, this is a character role, ladies. Go a little crazy with it, but be careful to find your own take. I don’t want to see an early leader in audition set the end-all, be-all pattern of reads for everyone else. Find your own take on Mrs. Paterson. Take some risks. She’s a wonderful character who commands volumes of laughter in the audience. Enjoy it!

Mr. Harry MacAfee (Tenor): Okay, guys, he’s not the star male vocalist in the show, but he does need to be able to sing a little. He’s also a great source of comedy in the production. Yeah, we aren’t given a ton of opportunities to see old Harry’s shtick. However, he does have a couple of really great scenes in which he has the potential to leave the house rolling. Show me your understanding of the potential behind this guy. Give me some really character gusto in the acting reads. And show us you can in fact handle the vocals that come with this role as well. “Parliament has been dissolved; the Magna Carta is revoked, and Nero is back in town!”

Mrs. Doris MacAfee (Alto): She’s on the back-half of female leads roles, but she is on the list! Mrs. MacAfee is a solid role. She has a wonderful scene early on in the show in which she is mortified with her daughter’s abrupt assertion of adult status. I don’t have a ton to offer you in developing this role for the audition process. Give me some options and show me your thoughts. Be inventive, and take a few risks!

Hugo Peabody (Speaking Role): Not a bad role, guys. If you’re not the strongest vocalist, Hugo may be the role for you. Hugo is Kim’s understandably frustrated boyfriend. Well, come on, how would you feel? You’ve just pinned the girl you’re completely in love with, and the next thing you know she’s all onboard to deliver the official send-off kiss to the teen rock idol of the decade. Anyway, Hugo is a great role for the right actor. He has solid stage time and enjoys command of a couple of humorous moments. Give me the prototypical teenage boy, circa 1950’s. Research? Come, watch a few films that reflect the era, guys!

Ursula Merkle (Mezzo): If Kim registers an excitement level of six on a scale of ten, Ursula hits twelve. Yeah, she’s a pretty excitable kid. She is a supporting character, but she has some wonderful moments. She’s Kim’s number-one confidant. Always looking out for her best friend’s interests, Ursula offers wise council to Kim in times of need. Well, as wise of council as a kid like Ursula can provide. Anyway, she’s a little quirky, high-energy, and busting with vitality. Show us the inner-tempo that pushes Ursula through life, ladies.

Randolph MacAfee (Tenor): Kim’s younger brother, Randolph is almost like the MacAfee family’s equivalent to the Griffin family’s Meg. He’s overlooked a bit, and when he is acknowledged, he really isn’t given much respect at all. It’s not a huge role, but it is a visible one. Randolph shouldn’t be played shy, but he is certainly the subordinate within the family. I will say this, Randolph’s delivery of dialog is either going to be spot-on, or miss completely. Show me your ability to deliver spot-on, guys.