Bye Bye Birdie

Bye Bye Birdie never really grows old. There are always ardent fans, young of age, that idolize their favorite talent. The plot is simple. Rock idol Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army. His PR flak/manager creates a media moment in Sweet Apple, Ohio. And, of course, we get love requited and unrequited, the balloon-sized ego of the idol, swoons by the thousands from adoring teens, preteens, and pre-preteens; and frustrated parents.

Bye Bye Birdie is just plain fun, replete with many of director Leigh Scarritt's students of all ages. Often leads are double-cast. The energy on the stage and in the aisle is phenomenal. The cast interacts with the audience, making many an entrance from the house.

Shirley Giltner is a dynamic, talented actress, giving Rosie depth as the love interest of manager Albert, amusingly played by Shepard Berry. Tiffany Scarritt, Birdie's number-one fan, Kim McAfee, is a delightful actress and singer, although I would have liked a little more projection from her. David Miller is Conrad Birdie. He has the look and the style. He, also, would have benefitted from increased projection.

Deborah Harvill-Ash, as Albert's mother, Mrs. Peterson, is absolutely hilarious. She dominates the aisle and stage on her every appearance.

Much of the credit for this successful production goes to Leigh Scarritt's direction, musical direction, and choreography. Dance Captain Shirley Giltner controls the large group of dancers admirably, helping make Bye Bye Birdie an amusing entertainment.