Audition Information for Bye Bye Birdie

The Pennington Players will hold auditions for Bye Bye Birdie on Saturday, June 11 (10am to 4pm) and Sunday, June 12 (12noon to 4pm) at the Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ.   All roles are open.  Performance dates are September 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at the Kelsey Theatre.

Seeking 8 males and 7 females for principal roles, plus large ensemble.  Auditioners (ages 15 and up) should prepare one complete musical-theater song and be ready to move.  Bring sheet music or recorded (non-vocal) accompaniment, photo, and resume.  

Also looking for male guitar player (late teens-early 20’s).  No singing or dancing required.  Bring guitar to audition.

Please call 609-737-PLAY (7529) to schedule an audition appointment.

Character Descriptions:

ALBERT PETERSON (m, reads late 20’s-early 30’s, baritone)  Birdie’s manager.  He is the eternal momma’s boy, funny, and charming.  Strong acting, pratfalls; must be good singer and dancer.

ROSE ALVAREZ (f, reads late 20’s-early 30’s, alto) Albert’s secretary.  She is feisty, witty, pretty, strong-willed, and of Spanish heritage.  Must be a great singer and dancer; true triple-threat role.

MR. HARRY MacAFEE (m, reads 40-55, baritone)  Kim’s father.  He’s frustrated with the behavior of the teenagers; grumpy, sarcastic, caustic.  Comedic role.  Singing is required.

MRS. DORIS MacAFEE (f, reads 35-50, mezzo-soprano)  Harry’s supportive wife and Kim’s mother.  Steady, calm, desperate to be hip and with it; good singer, harmonies.

MAE PETERSON (f, reads 50+)  Albert’s overbearing, controlling mother.  Should be strong actor with good comedic timing.

GLORIA RASPUTIN (f, reads 21-30)  Albert’s mother’s choice for his new secretary.  Comedic, tap dancing, blonde bombshell.

MAUDE (m, reads 30-50, tenor 2 or baritone)  Bartender.

MAYOR (m, reads 30-50)  Sweet Apple’s town leader.

ALSO:  Mayor’s Wife, Conductor, Policemen.  All sorts of roles with lines/singing parts.

CONRAD BIRDIE (m, reads late teens-early 20’s, baritone)  Handsome rock star and teen heartthrob.  MUST MOVE WELL.

KIM MacAFEE (f, reads about 15, soprano, high A)  Winner of last-kiss contest.  Teenage girl next door, pretty, innocent, typical 50’s teen.  Strong acting and singing, group dancing.

URSULA MERKEL (f, reads 13-17, mezzo-soprano)  Hyper-enthusiastic, insane Conrad Birdie fan and Kim’s best friend.  Should be good actor, singer, and dancer.  MUST BE OVER THE TOP.

HUGO PEABODY (m, reads 15-18)  Kim’s dorky, jealous boyfriend; typical varsity upper classman.

HARVEY JOHNSON (m, reads 13-17, baritone)  The town geek; sings and dances.  MUST BE OVER THE TOP.

SUZIE and other girlfriends (f, reads 13-17, mezzo-soprano) Teenage fans of Conrad Birdie.  Must sing and dance.

KARL (m, reads 13-17, baritone)  Teenager.  Must dance.

CHORUS:  All types and shapes needed.  Must be able to sing and dance well.

Please call 609-737-PLAY for an audition appointment.