Be prepared to put on a happy face as Redding’s University Preparatory School brings another classic production to the stage for two weekends this November with the Tony Award-winning hit musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” A cast of more than 50 students will act, sing and dance their hearts out for audiences during six performances beginning Friday, November 8th at 7pm in the David Marr Auditorium at U-Prep.
Set in the late 1950’s, “Bye Bye Birdie” is a romantic musical comedy revolving around the incredible popularity of Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-like rock & roll star who’s being drafted into the Army, which puts his publicity agent and songwriter Albert Peterson into something of a pickle. Peterson’s sweetheart, Rosie, comes up with a last-ditch nationwide publicity scheme to get Conrad onto the Ed Sullivan Show and plant a lucky last kiss on a teenage fan before heading off overseas. When Kim MacAfee of Sweet Apple, Ohio wins the honor, all the telephones in her small town ring off the hook, and the entire town reels with anticipation.
The inventive musical score of “Bye Bye Birdie” includes the hits “Put On A Happy Face,” “The Telephone Hour,” and “One Last Kiss,” and the themes in the play will resonate with audiences of every generation, from those who lived through their teenage years in the 50’s to today’s parents and the teenagers who drive them crazy.
The production marks Romney Clement’s tenth year directing the annual musical at U-Prep. Directing the dancing chorus and providing choreography is instructor Marissa Kinneavy. Musical Director is instructor Brad Fowers, who coincidentally played the lead, Albert Peterson, in his own high school production of the play at Shasta High School back in 1996.
There are six opportunities to take in a performance of “Bye Bye Birdie” in the David Marr Auditorium on the U-Prep campus, located at 2200 Eureka Way, Redding, CA. Performances are at 7pm Friday and Saturday November 8th and 9th as well as the following week on November 15th and 16th. Matinees are at 2pm Saturday, November 9th and again on the 16th. General admission tickets are $7 for students, $10 for adults, and are available in advance at the U-Prep office, The Real Estate Company in Redding and at the door. More information is available at 245-2790.
-from press release
