Megan Knight and Nick Reynolds
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is proud to present the late 50’s hit musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” an homage to the Elvis-craze and teen culture of the late 50’s and early 60’s. The comedic musical is set to open at the Theatre on April 8, and will run through April 24.
“Bye Bye Birdie” presents a fun, exaggerated spoof of an event similar to Elvis’ draft into the Army. After the musical’s hip-swinging hero, Conrad Birdie, receives his draft notice, his manager plans to stage one last publicity stunt in which Conrad will perform a final song and kiss a lucky fan goodbye. The girl turns out to be 15-year-old Kim MacAfee from the little town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, who has just started “going steady” with her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody. The news of the star’s visit throws the town’s teens into a tizzy, and a lot of singing and dancing ensues.
The director, Janette Gaines, says that keeping the culture of the time period was important.
Corey Tickles as Conrad Birdie.
“In order for the story to make sense, we have to remember that things were different back then,” Gains says. “Society rules were very strict, but it was also a time of rebellion against the rules. You see a lot of that spirit in ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ The time period is one of the things that drew me to this story. It’s pure fun. Plus, there’s just tons of dancing and singing, which makes this such a fun-filled show.”
With its 50’s and 60’s setting and its teen spirit, “Bye Bye Birdie” is sure to delight all ages with its musical comedy.
The cast includes Corey Tickles as Conrad Birdie; Lucas Schmidt as his manager, Albert; Katelyn Smith as Albert’s feisty secretary, Rosie; Megan Knight as Kim MacAfee; Nick Reynolds as Hugo Peabody and a cast of thirty additional actors popular in the Tri Cities musical theatre scene.
“Bye Bye Birdie” runs April 8 through April 24 at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. Show times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Saturdays and Sundays matinees at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $16 general admission and $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit jonesboroughtheatre.com or call the Jonesborough Visitors Center at (423) 753-1010. Season passes are also available.
