Bye Bye Birdie Young Performers' Edition presented by First Act Theatre Arts
Book by MICHAEL STEWART
Music by CHARLES STROUSE Lyrics by LEE ADAMS
Originally produced by Edward Padula
Adaptation and support materials developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Michelle Evans Director
Courtney Talken
Music Director
Margaret Jordahl
Assistant Music Director
Kari Bliss
Production Coordinator
Becky Ochoa
Technical Director
Lucas Frias Sound Apprentice
Molly Stasieluk Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Elizabeth Phillips Choreographer
Isaiah Bliss
Assistant Choreographer
Jennifer Noll
Camp Nurse
Silas Belzer Sound Apprentice
Gavin Tanner
Game Coordinator
Caleb Powell Sound Designer
Gennie Poling
Lighting Apprentice
from the director
Bye Bye Birdie is a show full of just what we all need more of in our life- joy! Set against the backdrop of the late 1950’s, this show brings us back to a simpler time where family, friends, and community were the most important things. Bye Bye Birdie is a timeless, cheery reminder that even with the allure of success and fame that there are few things more important than remaining true to oneself and those they love.
Middle School Camp is a challenging week for all that are involved. We have one week (more like 3 days) to put together a show. I frequently get asked how and why I direct this camp by people who can’t understand why I would want the stress of producing a show in a week. The answer is simple, to see the kids on stage smiling, singing, dancing, and just enjoying being together reminds me that having every detail perfect is not what this is about – it is about joy.
I always like to tell the kids how proud of them I am. But what I most want them to understand is that they don’t just make me proud, they humble me. They teach me new things everyday---perhaps as much as I teach them. And watching them perform their hearts out on stage brings me more joy than I can express. I am utterly grateful to every one of them for their love of the theatre, and for bringing their passion to the stage.
I could not do any of this without my amazing team: Molly, Courtney, Elizabeth, Margaret, Isaiah and Kari. These individuals not only bring their amazing artistic gifts to the team, but they continually pour out their love and encouragement on the students. They are truly gifts and I know I am thankful to work alongside them all. A special thank you is due to my amazing Technical Director, Becky Ochoa, for making sure all the theatre magic comes to life and keeping me sane. We also could not do any of this without the support of the amazing parent volunteers. They put countless hours of work into each one of their committees and impress me time and time again with their ingenuity, craftsmanship and passion. I also could not finish this note without thanking our amazing First Act office staff and Board for their continued support of all we do. And therefore, added onto my list of professional accomplishments will be that I’ve had the honor to work with some of the most beautiful, amazing, talented, committed, enthusiastic, vibrant, passionate, and vivacious individuals that have ever existed.
Now, on to the good part, the show….next stop, Sweet Apple, Ohio!
Blessings,
Michelle J. Evans
The Bye Bye Birdie team
Margaret, Molly, Isaiah, Gavin, Kari, Michelle, Elizabeth, Courtney & Jennifer
Musical Numbers
ACT ONE
"An English Teacher"……….........................................................................................Rosie "Telephone Hour” ...........................................Helen, Nancy, Alice, Margie, Freddie, Karl, Penelope, Suzie, Harvey, Deborah Sue, & Ursula "How Lovely to Be a Woman"....................................................................................Kim
"Put on a Happy Face" …….............................................................Albert and Tappers “A Healthy, Normal, American Boy”...........................Albert, Rosie, First Reporter, Second Reporter, & Sweet Apple Citizens
"Hymn for a Sunday Evening (Ed Sullivan)"……..............................MacAfee Family "One Last Kiss (Part 1)"…….....................................Conrad & Sweet Apple Citizens
"One Last Kiss (Part 2)"…….......................................Albert & Sweet Apple Citizens
Musical Numbers
ACT TWO
"What Did I Ever See in Him? (Part 1 )"……….......................................................Rosie
"What Did I Ever See in Him? (Part 2)......................................................Rosie & Kim "Lot of Livin’ To Do"
Conrad, Kim, & Sweet Apple Teens "Kids" ……............................................................................................Sweet Apple Adults
“An English Teacher Reprise”..................................................................................Rosie "Rosie"................................................................Albert, Rosie & Sweet Apple Citizens
cast of characters
Albert Peterson………......................................................................................Nick Heffner
First Act Theatre Arts would like to extend special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their generous contributions to this show
Casey McDormand and the Bell Center Staff for hosting this production
Maggie Miller for her dedicated service to our HEART program
Erin Barton & Steve Kleinschmidt for their excellent show photos
Dennis Ryan for the terrific show recordings
Rick Aldrich & Totally His Graphics for our awesome show shirts
Dennis Hoge for his help with all things warehouse
Ginger Burns for her assistance with makeup
Cynthia Liggett for her help with props
Pam Bray & Gina Milbourn for their assistance with the organization of our costumes
Sarah Saugier and Theatre in the Park for the use of their telephones
Stage Right Performing Arts for the use of their costumes
The First Act Board and Staff for all of their support
Kari Bliss for making our production run smoothly
Our wonderful Artistic Team for putting this show together
And most importantly, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible!
