Auditions for BYE BYE BIRDIE

Adults and teens are encouraged to audition for BYE BYE BIRDIE, a Tony award-winning classic musical!  Auditions are Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26 at the Northfield Arts Guild.  Call 507-645-8877 to schedule an audition appointment.  

The show will have eight performances over two 4-day weekends, July 9-12 and July 16-19, 2009. 

The story:  It's the late 1950s and teenagers are going crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, Albert Peterson, his manager, has staked his financial future on Conrad's success. Albert's secretary, Rosie, helps him when disaster strikes and Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military.  They 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.  With memorable songs and dances, BIRDIE is a fun, silly and lovable show.

Please bring a one-minute, upbeat song to sing at your audition and come prepared to dance. Also, you must bring a list of your potential rehearsal conflicts to the audition.   A perusal script is available for checkout at the Center for the Arts, 304 Division St, Northfield. 

There are many fabulous roles for Adults and Teens, ages 12 and older:  

Albert Peterson —  able to play 30s.  Baritone. Should dance well. He is Conrad Birdie’s manager. Albert is in love with his secretary, Rosie, but fearful of his controlling mother. Soloist.

Rosie Alvarez —  able to play 30s. Alto. Should move/dance well. Of Spanish heritage, she is Albert’s, overworked, strong-willed and smart secretary.  She is in love with Albert and has the patience of a saint.  Soloist/Dancer.   

Conrad Birdie —  able to play 20s. Baritone. Must move/dance well like Elvis! He is a handsome, charismatic, Elvis-like rock star who is a teenage idol. Soloist

Kim MacAfee — able to play 15-17.  Soprano.  Should move/dance well. She is the quintessential innocent small town girl who is chosen to kiss Conrad Birdie goodbye. Soloist

Rudolph MacAfee —  able to play 10-12. Tenor. He is Kim’s younger brother. Singer.

Hugo Peabody —able to play 15-19.  Speaking role.  Hugo is Kim’s dorky, but endearing, jealous boyfriend.

Mae Peterson —  able to play 50s-60s. Alto. Must be a strong comedienne. She is Albert's manipulative, nagging, controlling mother. Song is optional depending on who we cast.

Mr. Harry MacAfee —  able to play 40s-50s. Baritone.  Comic character. He is Kim and Randolph’s grumpy father. Soloist

Mrs. MacAfee —  able to play 40s-50s.  Mezzo. She is Kim and Randolph’s mother and Harry’s supportive wife. Singer.

Ed Sullivan impersonator

STRONG SINGER/DANCER TEEN ENSEMBLE - (able to play 13-20) includes great supporting roles

There are also 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.

BYE BYE BIRDIE is Directed by Rachel Haider, with Musical Direction by Liz Shepley and Peter Webb; Choreography by Jana Schomburg; Costumes by Helen Dillon; Set Design by Paul Seguin; Lighting Design by Alvin Ho; Stage Management by Lori Middeldorp, Produced by Deb Clark.