"Bye Bye Birdie" The Musical Seeking Performers

(Tenor): He’s our story’s central character. What, you thought it was Birdie? Nope. He’s the nervous and high-strung president of Almalou Records who pays more attention to his mother than to his girlfriend (who is his secretary). 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; some dancing skill a plus.

(Alto): Poor Rose. She really puts up with a lot through the course of the show. Rose is Albert’s secretary but dreams of the day when she can adjust his title from “employer” to “hubby.” 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. Dancing skills are a must!

(Baritone): The “Elvis-style” rock star who is headed into the army; he must be able to sing well, move like a rock star, and… burp! Directors also need to see, very clearly, the physicality of Birdie. Give a few king-like indications of the guy, but don’t go full-blown Elvis. The physicality is very important though. Directors need to see the performer fluidly at-work during the vocal auditions. They want to see the actual, no frills man during the acting auditions. Show the change.

(Tenor): The frustrated father of Kim and Randolph who feels his stature as a parent is continually challenged. 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, directors aren’t given a ton of opportunities to see old Harry’s shtick. Show your understanding of the potential behind this guy. Give some really character gusto in the acting auditions.

(Alto): The tireless, caring mother of Kim & Randolph who knows just how to handle her irritable husband. 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. Directors don’t have a ton to offer you in developing this role for the audition process. Give some options and show your thoughts. Be inventive and take a few risks!

(Alto): Albert’s mother, the quintessential “Mamma,” who never stops parenting Albert. A Wonderful character role! Her vocal requirements are a very minor consideration. You may have 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.

(Tenor): Kim’s devoted steady boyfriend who is jealous of Conrad Birdie. This is a great role. If you’re not the strongest vocalist, Hugo may be the role for you. Hugo is Kim’s understandably frustrated boyfriend. Well, 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. Hugo is a great role for the right actor.

(Bari, Adult Chorus): Mayor of Sweet Apple, Ohio; sings one feature song; also appears on the Ed Sullivan Show. There’s some sense that he fits the bill of a big fish in a small town.

(Mezzo, Adult Chorus): Mayor’s wife, Edna; sings one feature song; also appears on the Ed Sullivan Show. Smaller role, but she does have a funny bit in the show as Conrad begins to sing during Sweet Apple’s welcoming ceremony for the auspicious guest.

(Soprano): The gum-chewing, lame-brained, dancing secretary who is Mae Peterson’s choice to replace Rosie as Albert’s fiancé. She’s not exactly what one might expect as the embodiment of the ideal administrative assistant, Gloria is a forceful, broad woman with true gusto. This role will be given to someone who can eloquently command a character performance.

(Adult Chorus, Tenor): Proprietor of “Maude’s Roadside Retreat”; sings the tenor part in the male quartet. Decent guy.

(Adult Chorus, Tenor): He washes dishes for a living, but he’s a member of our male quartet. Maude’s Quartet: Customers at Maude’s who sing in the male quartet.

(Adult Chorus, Baritone): Who knows this guy’s story. Anyway, he’s also a member of the male quartet. Maude’s Quartet: Customers at Maude’s who sing in the male quartet.

(Adult Chorus, Tenor): We think he’s into taxidermy, but he doesn’t like talking about it much. Well, not while he’s practicing with the quartet group anyway. Maude’s Quartet: Customers at Maude’s who sing in the male quartet.

From backstage; vocal impersonation. Maude’s Quartet: Customers at Maude’s who sing in the male quartet.

(Variable ranges, Adult Chorus) - We might guess his first name is Howard. Yeah, he may be the guy. Harvey’s dad.

(Soprano): She’s Ursala’s mother. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, usually.

(Speaking role): He’s got something to say.

(Nonspeaking role): He doesn’t have something to say, but he does have a camera.

(Speaking role): He also has something to say, although everyone would prefer he changed places with the 2nd Reporter and remain silent instead.

(Variable range): He keeps order.

(Speaking role): He travels.

(Speaking role): She travels as well.

(Speaking role, variable ranges): Controls the train (which we don’t see).

(Adult Chorus, speaking role): He’s a concerned parent.

(Nonspeaking role): (S)he’s got a decent gig; (s)he works for the Ed Sullivan Show.

(Nonspeaking role): They may not be stage managing, but they’re in the union. It’s a living.

(Nonspeaking role): Again, not bad. They have a job to do.

(Nonspeaking): gentleman conducting a meeting that Rose interrupts.

(Nonspeaking role): He tends to Conrad after Hugo socks him!

Who are very concerned with how their “kids” are behaving.