Hailey Rasmussen leads as Kim MacAfee in “Bye Bye Birdie” musical production

By: Donya Hassanshahi

Kim Macafee (played by Hailey Rasmussen ’23) and
Conrad Birdie (Raul Arredondo ’23)
share a tender moment in “Bye Bye, Birdie”- Photo n.miller/gigantea

Hailey Rasmussen, ’23 will debut her leading role as Kim MacAfee in the Redwood High School production of Bye Bye Birdie this week.

When Rasmussen received word that she’d be a leading role, she says her initial reaction was “pure excitement”. She says, “I was beyond thrilled when I saw my name beside Kim MacAfee on the cast list.”

Given the time-consuming rehearsals, she says that “It’s a lot of work being a lead, but I would one hundred percent say that it’s worth it. I’m constantly moving around and practicing different scenes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

To bring her character to light in the most authentic way, Rasmussen says she “practiced saying the lines hundreds of different ways and really just tried to find what felt the best and what for the character I was going for.”

Rasmussen says a word she would use to describe opening night is “magical”.

She says, “I’m just looking forward to being able to perform for an audience again. There is no better feeling than getting to perform and share our hard work with people, and there is just something extra special about opening night.”

Kim Macafee (played by Hailey Rasmussen ’23)
and Rose Alvarez (Alyssa Sozonho ’23) perform
“What did I Ever See in Him” from
“Bye Bye, Birdie” photo n.miller/gigantea

As the show dates approach, Rasmussen says, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I’m so proud of this wonderful cast for always showing up and helping to make something wonderful.”

Tickets are available to purchase online here or in-person at the LJ Williams Theater on February 2, 3, and 4. The musical will debut February 2 and 3 at 7:00pm, and the 4 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

Donya Hassanshahi

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Donya Hassanshahi, '24 is a third year journalism student writing for the Redwood Gigantea. She seeks interest in the Humans of Redwood, hoping to inspire the Redwood community with her writing. You can reach her by her email at donya.hassanshahi@gmail.com.