Bye Bye Birdie Audition Information
A Broadway musical satire on American society written by Michael Stewart (book), Lee Adams (lyrics), and Charles Strouse (music). It was first performed in New York City's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 14, 1960, directed by Gower Champion.

Synopsis:

It's the late 1950s and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, Albert Peterson, his manager is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad's success. Albert's secretary, Rosie, is increasingly frustrated with the time and money Albert is losing on his project. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. Thus, Albert attempts to stage a farewell party for Conrad in which he is to kiss one lucky fan on the Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Kim MacAfee, from Sweet Apple, Ohio, is the lucky girl chosen to be kissed. But conflict arises when her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody, gets jealous, and Rosie becomes fed-up with the abusive treatment she receives from Albert's mother. Eventually, things turn out ok. Kim and Hugo resolve their problems and Albert agrees to leave managing, become an English teacher, and marry Rosie. 

Character Descriptions
Conrad Birdie Age: 20s. Baritone. Must move/dance well. Must move like Elvis! He is a handsome, charismatic, Elvis-like rock star who is a teenage idol. Sings “Sincere”, “One Last Kiss” and “Lot of Livin’ to Do”

Albert Peterson Age: early 30’s. Baritone. Should move/dance well. He is Conrad Birdie’s manager. Albert is in love with his secretary, Rosie, but fearful of his controlling mother. Sings “…American Boy”, “Put on a Happy Face”, “Baby Talk to Me”, and “Rosie”.

Rosie Alvarez Age: early 30’s. Alto. Should move/dance well. She is Albert’s overworked, highly frustrated secretary who is in love with Albert. Sings “English Teacher”, “…American Boy”, “Let’s Settle Down” “Spanish Rose”, “What Did I Ever See in Him” and “Rosie”.

Mae Peterson Age: 50’s. Alto. Must be a strong comedienne. She is Alberts manipulative, nagging, controlling mother. Sings “A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore”.

Kim MacAfee Age: 15. Soprano. Should move/dance well. She is the quintessential innocent small town girl who is chosen to kiss Conrad Birdie goodbye. Sings “How Lovely to Be a Woman”, “One Boy”, “Ed Sullivan” and “Lot of Livin’ to Do”.

Hugo Peabody: Age 15. Speaking role. Hugo is Kim’s dorky, but lovable jealous boyfriend.

Mr. Harry MacAfee: Age: 40. Baritone. Comic character. He is Kim and Randolph’s grumpy father. Sings “Kids” and “Ed Sullivan”.

Mrs. Doris MacAfee: Age: 40. Mezzo. She is Kim and Randolph’s mother and Harry’s supportive wife. Sings “Kids” and “Ed Sullivan”.

Randolph MacAfee: Age: 10. Tenor. He is Kim’s younger brother. Sings “Kids” and “Ed Sullivan”.

Gloria Rasputin: Age: 30’s. Comic dancing role. She is Albert’s mother’s choice for Albert’s new secretary.

There are MANY other supporting roles (some with solos and speaking parts) including:

Ursula Merkel (Kim’s best friend), Helen, Margie, Nancy, Penelope, Deborah Sue, Alice, Harvey, Karl, The Mayor, The Mayor’s wife, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Merkel, Police, etc. etc.

AUDITION PROCESS:

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Everyone needs to be at Tuesday’s dance audition and Wednesday’s vocal audition. Some will be asked to return for an additional callback audition on Thursday and possibly Friday.

Tuesday, October 9th: Immediately after school in the Black Box Theatre the dance audition combination will be taught. Beginning at 4:00 groups of 5 or 6 will be sent into the Auditorium to audition on the stage for the audition committee. Please wear closed toe shoes and appropriate clothing. After you dance you are free to go home. No one will be cut after the dance audition.

Wednesday, October 10th: Vocal auditions will begin at 4:00 in the Choir Room. You will be asked to come in one at a time and sing a short selection from the show for the audition committee. Accompaniment CD’s are available from Mr. Detrick and the printed musical selections are available from Mrs. Koepf. After you sing you are free to go home.

Thursday, October 11th (& possibly Friday, October 12th): Callbacks will be posted by Thursday morning for those people that need to return Thursday afternoon at 4:00 in the Auditorium. These students will be asked to read and possibly sing for specific roles.