Bye Bye Birdie Help

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 10:07pm

So, I've just been cast as Albert. And after a read through or 2 and couple of practices, I feel like I can find my "inner albert". Any advice? Maybe wait a lil longer into rehersals? Help?!

[tinkerscanne]

Posted: 1/28/08 at 8:55am

Albert is a Mama's Boy. He is afraid of disappointing her and is dysfunctional in his personal life because of this. Rosie is his girlfriend and Albert's Mama is constantly putting her down. Albert has to feel conflict - does he speak up for Rosie or let Mama continue the insults? Albert basically does not have b*!ls (if you know what I mean). The triangle between Albert, Rosie and Mama is central to the show.

I don't know how your director wants you to go about finding your "inner Albert," but I find it helpful to make up a backstory for the character and figure out WHY he/she is this way in the point in time of the show. So go back and figure out why Albert is so afraid to sever the ties with Mama and what is keeping him from committing himself to Rosie. That should give you some food for thought. Then take your dialogue and lyrics and figure out why Albert is saying those things. Also, listen to what the other characters say TO Albert (Rosie is obviously disappointed that he didn't get a job teaching - she craves a more "normal" life). Let this play into your characterization.

Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 1/28/08 at 10:02am

Remember that Albert is a character part not a leading man type. I've seen the latter and Albert and the show fell flat.

He is quirky and funny and everything that was stated before.