BYE BYE BIRDIE

 

Music by Charles Strouse      Lyrics by Lee Adams

Based on a book by Michael Stewart

 

Directed by Karen Rymar

Music Direction by Diane King Vann

Choreography by Sabrina Harper

Production Stage Manager Chloe Deutschman

 

Bye Bye Birdie, winner of 4 Tony Awards®, is a lighthearted, satirical musical about a teen idol's draft, his farewell kiss to a lucky fan, and the chaos it causes in a small town. It's a fun, energetic show about the 1950s rock and roll era. 

 

 

Character Breakdown

 

Albert Peterson: (early 30’s) former aspiring English teacher who is now head of the family record company; neurotic, weak and easily manipulated by his mother. Bass/baritone 

 

Rose "Rosie" Alvarez: (early 30’s, preferably Hispanic, but all ethnicities considered) Albert's secretary and long-suffering significant other. Mezzo-soprano, must sing and dance well. 

 

Kim MacAfee: A precocious teenage girl from Sweet Apple who is chosen to be kissed by Conrad Birdie on the Ed Sullivan TV show. Soprano, moves well 

 

Conrad Birdie: A rock and roll superstar with an implied checkered past and an unpredictable personality. Baritone, moves well 

 

Randolph MacAfee: Kim’s younger brother (to play 10 years old).

 

Harry MacAfee: Kim and Randolph's befuddled and bad-tempered father. Baritone.

 

Doris MacAfee: Kim and Randolph's mother. Mezzo-soprano

 

Hugo Peabody: Kim's strait-laced, jealous boyfriend. Non-singing, but may be used in ensemble.

 

The role of Mae Peterson has been cast.

 

Youth and Adult Ensemble (All ethnicities encouraged to audition.) 

To allow this traditionally large-scale production to be effectively presented at No Square Theatre’s intimate, 85-seat black box theatre space, we will creatively stage the show with a ensemble much smaller than typically used. Therefore, we are looking for a group of approximately 10-12 strong singers, actors and dancers who will play multiple roles, crossing over between youth and adult ensembles, as well as handling the many featured roles, including:

 

·         Sweet Apple teenagers

·         Ursula Merkle: Kim's hyperactive best friend and next-door neighbor, a Conrad Birdie super fan.

·         Gloria Rasputin: A curvaceous dancer whom Mae hopes will be Albert's new secretary. Non-singing

·         Harvey Johnson: A nerdy teenage boy

·         Charles Maude: Owner of Maude's Roadside Retreat, in male quartet, and member of the adult                  ensemble. Tenor

·         Mrs. Merkle: Ursula's mother.

·         Mr. Johnson: Harvey's father.

·         The Mayor: The mayor of Sweet Apple. Non-singing

·         The Mayor's Wife: (Edna): The wife of the mayor; she faints multiple times during Birdie's                            performance. Non-singing 

·         Many other various roles.

 

Initial Auditions will be held:

Saturday, May 3rd – 12pm-4pm

Sunday, May 4th – 12pm-3pm

 

Callbacks (by invitation):

Monday, May 5th - 6pm

Wednesday, May 7th 6pm

 

Performances:

July 18 – August 2

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

 

What to Prepare

Please prepare a 32-bar or approximately one-minute musical theatre song in the style of the show. Please have your music in the proper key and in a 3-ring binder (no loose sheets). Please bring a headshot and resume to your audition. Be prepared to provide conflicts as well. 

 

Please email casting@nosquare.org to schedule your appointment.

 

All Rehearsals and Performances are held at No Square Theatre