High School Students to Perform 'Bye Bye Birdie' This Weekend

In the satiric American society staged in Bye Bye Birdie, the hip-pulsating teen idol, Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army. His agents negotiate an eleventh-hour publicity stunt to have Birdie record a song and give a lucky girl from his fan club a real “last kiss” before he deploys.

On Friday, the Cinnaminson High School drama club will present Bye Bye Birdie on stage, a half-century since it first opened on Broadway.

“We thought it would be good timing to stage Bye Bye Birdie,” said Larry Biren, director of the show, during Tuesday night’s dress rehearsal, “since this is the 50th anniversary of the musical.”

Originally titled Let’s Go Steady, the musical won a Tony in 1960. Following that, the spoof spawned a London production and a 1963 film starring Ann-Margaret.

Biren figured this year's drama club members could show off some rich panache and style in a celebrated show, while bringing some freshness to the acts.

“I knew I would have students who would be willing to get into these characters and give a good performance,” said Biren, who has been directing plays for the Cinnaminson schools for more than 10 years.

The setting of the musical is 1958 and was inspired by the fact that Elvis Presley was drafted into the Army in 1957, a military marvel given his celebrity at the time, and decades before this high school cast was born.

As costumes were being outfitted, Harrison Ball, who plays Albert, was good-naturedly allowing his mom to touch up his makeup for the technical check.

“I did this for my daughter when she was in high school,” laughed Teri Ball. “Now, I’m doing it for him.”

Ball is one of a few freshmen who have joined the drama club this year.

“It’s been a lot of fun and hard work,” said Ball, whose real ambitions lie in the sciences. “But, I’m enjoying it.”

Another newcomer is freshman Kirsten Hess, an itty-bitty teen, who plays Mrs. Petersen. The comical character was originally portrayed as a portly figured woman.               

“Kristen’s been able to alter the character and still stay funny,” said Megan Schweitzer, the show’s assistant director.

Drama club members have been rehearsing for the last three months. The musical is led by a cast of nearly 30 students. Another 45 students comprise the cast and orchestra, lending critical support toward the show’s success.

Megan Schneider plays Kim, the lucky fan, who wins the contest. Schneider has been performing in plays since her middle-school years and is looking forward to opening night.

“After all the work,” Schneider said, “it’s all worth it.”

IF YOU GO

Bye Bye Birdie will be performed 8 p.m. March 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. March 19 and 20. Tickets are $5 for children, $8 adults. Senior citizens are free. Check out the listing here.