FROM STAFF REPORTS

South City Theatre will soon hold auditions for its second summer musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at Pelham High School’s auditorium. The audition process will take place between April 29-May 2.

A loving send-up of the 1960s, small-town America, teenagers and rock and roll, “Bye Bye Birdie” remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for teens, and a hilarious script, Birdie continues to thrill audiences around the world.

The production will run from July 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2 p.m. at Pelham High School’s auditorium.

Auditions will be on Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. and Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m. Auditions will begin with warmups, dancing and then singing. Those auditioning may attend either of those dates but do not need to attend both. If late for auditions, participants will have to wait to be seen on that audition day.

Those auditioning should wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. No sandals are allowed. Everyone is asked to bring sheet music and prepare to 16 bars. An accompanist will be provided. Resumes are helpful but not required.

Children under 12 are encouraged to audition but will only be cast if a parent or guardian is willing to be in the production and attend all rehearsals that the child is called for. The parent/guardian will also need to audition.

Call backs will be on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Call backs will consist of cold script readings. No prepared monologues are required. Not all roles require callbacks so if you aren’t called back, know that you are still being considered for a role.

Rehearsals will begin in late May and go through July 18. Not every cast member will need to attend every rehearsal. Rehearsals will be in three hour blocks on weekends or evenings at Pelham High Auditorium.

Production Team:
Director Sue Ellen Gerrells
Musical Director Emily Hoppe
Choreographer Daren Eastwold
Technical Director Mitch Morin
Stage Manager Lisa Ponder

The following roles are available:

Albert Peterson: Young man in his 30s
Rose Alvarez: Albert’s long-suffering secretary/girlfriend. Must be a triple threat able to sing, dance well, and act.
Kim McAfee: 15 years old, pretty and quite self-possessed.
Mrs. Doris McAfee: Kim’s mother
Mr. Harry McAfee: Kim’s father
Randolph McAfee: Kim’s younger brother
Conrad Birdie: Rock star
Hugo Peabody: Kim’s “steady”
Ursula Merkle: Hyper-enthusiastic, teen friend of Kim McAfee

Non-singing role:
Mrs. Mae Peterson: Albert’s mother. The “quintessential “mother

Secondary and chorus roles available for all ages.
There are more than 50 roles available and some of those have lines.

Those who have questions should email South City at info@southcitytheatre.com.