“Bye Bye Birdie” is a staple on high school and middle school stages.
But until this coming weekend, it has never been performed in the Staples auditorium.
Staples Players (and summer production) directors David Roth and Kerry Long are huge fans of the musical. They’ve often talked of doing it — but the time never seemed right.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it is.
Jack Seigenthaler (as Conrad Birdie) is surrounded by adoring fans. (Photo by Kerry Long)
The show — inspired by the intense popularity of Elvis Presley, and his 1957 draft notice — is a satire of that era. But some school productions — well, let’s just say they stage it a bit too straightforwardly.
That won’t happen this time. David and Kerry are working their magic once again, bringing the satirical best out of a big — and enormously talented — cast.
It’s perfect summer fare. Kids will love it, because the “kids” onstage have such a blast. It’s funny and fun, with tons of bright colors, intriguing characters, and great dancing and music.
Jack Bowman as Hugo Peabody, and Michelle Pauker as Kim MacAfee. (Photo by Kerry Long)
“Bye Bye Birdie” offers a chance for many Staples Players — plus recent graduates, and excellent performers from surrounding towns — to strut their stuff.
Jack Seigenthaler — Weston High’s popular leading man — plays Conrad Birdie. Clay Singer and Tyler Jent are double-cast as Conrad’s manager. Claire Smith is Albert’s secretary and love interest. Michelle Pauker is Kim MacAfee, the small- town girl upon whom Conrad will bestow his “last kiss.”
And after half a century, Conrad will finally do it on the Staples stage.
“Bye Bye Birdie” will be performed on Friday, July 26 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday, July 27 (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), and Sunday, July 28 (4 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
Maddy Rozynek plays Mae Peterson; Clay Singer is Albert Peterson. (Photo by Kerry Long)
