By Jennifer Lucarelli, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – The cast of the Shrewsbury High School's production of “Bye Bye Birdie” is gearing up to present the popular musical over the weekend of March 7 to March 9.
“We'se really come together as a family,” said Emily Ehler, a junior at the high school who plays Doris MacAfee in the musical. “It's been such a fun time with everyone this year – we'se really one big family.”
“Bye Bye Birdie” is a comedic adventure entwined with a heartwarming story of an all-American family who braces themselves for an unexpected visit from a “Rock-n-Roll” celebrity, Conrad Birdie, played by Nathan Kashdan.
“It's a funny show with a lot of high energy,” said Kashdan, who is performing for the second time ever in this weekend's performance. “It's a great show for the whole family.”
In the show, Conrad finds himself himself drafted into the army with a boatload of fans mourning his impending military tour, even before it begins. To kick off his departure, Albert Peterson, (Sean Hevey), his agent writes a song, prompted by long-term secretary/girlfriend Rose Alvarez, (Nicki Barrett), called “One Last Kiss.”
The plan is for Conrad to sing this song to a randomly chosen loyal member of his fan club, Kim MacAfee, (Jessica Hanam), as he kisses her goodbye in front of millions of American fans on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
This creates quite a stir amongst the teens in the little town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, where the MacAfee family resides, as Kim has just recently gotten pinned to Hugo (Nick Esposito) who is a local boy who is understandably not happy about this new development at all. Hugo is not the only disgruntled one in this frivolous fable.
Mr. MacAfee (Jonathan Williams) has lost control of his home and family, Rosie would like to settle down and get married to Albert, Conrad wants to go out on the town for his last night of freedom and the parents of Sweet Apple just don's understand this new generation of “kids.”
The show includes a lot more underclassmen than in years past, and they all encourage students who may want to try theater to join the theater department.
“Get into music – no matter if its orchestra or chorus and then try your hand at theater,” said Jonathan Williams, a senior who plays Harry MacAfee. “This is my first time performing, but I'se been in the crew before.”
“I really took a chance and am really out of my comfort zone,” said Kashdan. “This is only my second show ever, but it's been a great experience.”
The production of “Bye Bye Birdie” is playing at the Shrewsbury High School auditorium, 64 Holden St. Show times are Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. They can be purchased by calling 508-841-8300, ext. 1088 or for online ticket orders email [email protected].
