Youths bring ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ to stage
The upcoming Sing Hosanna! musical is a throwback to the 1960s, and the youths involved in the production have been able to capture the period’s energy.
“Bye Bye Birdie” will go on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College, and its director, Ralph Christy, said the rehearsals have given the young actors the opportunity to lock in to the tone and comedic style of the 1960 musical.
“It’s dated, but once the kids caught on, they really are having a good time,” Christy said. “Lots of teens screaming and dancing and doing moves from the 1960s, a lot of comedy in it also.”
This production stars Jacob Scanlon as Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley-like celebrity who learns he is being drafted into the U.S. Army. As a teen heartthrob, Birdie chooses all-American girl Kim MacAfee, portrayed in this production by Mia McGrady, for a very public farewell kiss, according to Playbill, a magazine for theatergoers.
According to Christy, the musical was originally written to be a vehicle for Dick van Dyke, and the lead character shares some of his personality and vibe.
“The lead character, he writes music and produces music,” Christy said. “He and his secretary decide to do a contest where they will pick somebody from across the nation where he will write a song and it will be on the Ed Sullivan Show.”
Christy said there are several big musical numbers in the show, some of which involve a majority of the 38 people in the production. He said people might recognize songs like “The Telephone Hour,” “Spanish Rose” and “We Love You, Conrad.”
According to Christy, the show is lighthearted and fun, and the music can still resonate with modern audiences.
“It’s just a fun night out for entertainment,” Christy said.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Succop Theater. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at singhosanna.ticketleap.com or by calling 724-290-8900.
