Al is based on the life of Steve Boockvor. He was the son of immigrants and his dad worked in a factory. Because his family was poor, Steve did not have the opportunity for the arts.
Later, someone in his neighborhood got accepted to the High School of Performing Arts. This kid and Steve got into a fight, and the kid dared Steve to audition for the HSPA. He took the challenge and made it. However, he was hesitant to go there, he only wanted to prove
that he could do it. Eventually he decided to go, and was glad he did. He realized if he hadn't taken that challenge, he would be a dock worker or mechanic. He was always extremely grateful that he had the chance to be exposed to a cultured and beautiful career.
In earlier versions of the show, Al was kinda a violent guy. He related a story of how a homosexual dancer came on to him, and it's clear that Al is uncomfortable with the many gay men around him. In fact, Greg added that Al got mad once when Greg playfully swatted him on the butt. Al then jumped on Greg and started pounding on him. With the casting of Don Percassi, they lessened this side of the character, because Don was a much easier going
guy with a strong sense of humour, as well as smaller in stature. It was ridiculous for this little guy to be jumping on other people!
Al has worked with Zach before, and again in an earlier script, Zach and Al talk about this. Al is somewhat belligerent, and Zach dismisses him halfway through the audition. Al begs him to let him stay for Kristine's sake to support her, but it's revealed that it's actually so he doesn't lose face with Kristine. Keep in mind that these harsher elements were lessened
in the final version, but you can see how Al could be kinda a street tough who was transformed by the arts. Also note Al's obsession with sex--he has a lot of great solos in the montage.
Key points for Al are humor, machoismo, agressiveness, but also tenderness and protection of his wife. They have been married only shortly, so a strong physical connection is suggested, not only in your pose, but also during the Opening and other less structured sections of the show (Tap Combo, Alternatives)
