Bye Bye Birdie Synopsis and Character Description

Bye Bye Birdie is a musical that takes place in the 1950’s.  It was written as a satire of the complete devotion that some teenagers of that time had for Elvis Presley.  Even though times have changed and teenagers with them, some of that crazy adoration still happens.  (think Jonas Brothers).  We will be presenting the play somewhat as a satire, but mostly as a snippet of pretend life from that era.

There are 3 stories interwoven in this musical.  Albert Peterson is Conrad Birdie’s manager.  He has left studying to be an English teacher to manage Conrad’s career, but Conrad is being drafted into the Army, ending Albert’s source of income.  Albert’s secretary, Rose Alvarez, who is in love with Albert, comes up with the clever idea of having Conrad give one last kiss to some luck girl who will be chosen at random.  Albert and Rosie love each other, but Albert frequently takes Rosie for granted and is reluctant to marry her because of his domineering, interfering and generally obnoxious mother (Mrs. Mae Peterson).

Kim MacAfee is the lucky girl, chosen to receive Birdie’s kiss.  Unfortunately, she has also just become pinned (we’ll explain all of that at the audition meeting) to her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody, who is not too happy with the idea of Kim being kissed by someone other than him.  Kim’s family consists of her mother, father and younger brother.  Kim’s mom is the typical, stylized ‘50’s housewife, cooking cleaning and letting nothing phase her.  Kim’s dad is confused by all the excitement that is going on, and would prefer that everything just go back to “normal.”

Conrad Birdie is the epitome of a ‘50’s rock and roll star.  The public persona that is presented is one of suave sophistication, and innocent morals.  In reality, Conrad is what we now think of as a rock star, drinking, smoking and carrying on with women.  Albert and Rosie work hard to hide this side of Conrad from his fans and the press.

All these lives become interwoven in Conrad’s coming to Sweet Apple Cove to give Kim that last kiss.  Rosie becomes fed up with Albert and his mother and threatens to and does leave.  Hugo becomes fed up with Kim’s inamoration with 

Conrad.  Mr. MacAfee wants to prevent all the fuss, until he finds out that it will be broadcast on the Ed Sullivan show and he will be on it as well.

All of these story lines meet in Sweet Apple Cove which is in an uproar over Birdie’s coming and staying there.  In the end, of course, everything works out.  Kim and Hugo are reunited.  Mr. MacAfee’s peace and quiet is restored.  Albert tells off his mother and decides to marry Rosie and become an English teacher.  And everyone lives happily ever after.

Character Descriptions

Albert Peterson —early 30’s.  Baritone   Should move/dance 

Conrad Birdie — Age:  20s. Baritone   Must move/dance 

Kim MacAfee — Age: 15.  Soprano  Should move/dance. 

Rudolph MacAfee — Age: 10. Tenor  Kim’s younger brother

Rosie Alvarez — Age:  early 30’s. Alto. Should move/dance well. 

Hugo Peabody — Age 15.  Speaking role. Hugo is Kim’s dorky, but lovable jealous boyfriend.

Mae Peterson — Age:  50’s. Alto. Must be a strong comedienne.   Albert's manipulative, nagging, controlling mother. 

Mr. Harry MacAfee — Age:  40. Baritone.  Comic character. He is Kim and Randolph’s grumpy father. 

Gloria Rasputin — Age: 30’s. Comic dancing role. She is Albert’s mother’s choice for Albert’s new secretary.

Mrs. MacAfee — Age: 40.  Mezzo. She is Kim and Randolph’s mother and Harry’s supportive wife. 

There are MANY other supporting roles (some with solos, some only speaking parts) including:

Ursula Merkel (Kim’s best friend), Kim’s friends, Hugo’s friends, The Mayor, The Mayor’s wife, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Merkel, Police, etc. etc