Bye Bye Birdie at The Landmark is a Family Affair!

The Community Synagogue Theater Company invites you to dig out your poodle skirts and saddle shoes and return to a simpler time when Bye Bye Birdie the musical hits the Jeanne Rimsky Theater at The Landmark on Main on Sunday Jan 31, Friday Feb 4 and Saturday Feb 6. Winner of 4 Tony awards, including Best Musical, Bye Bye Birdie is the perfect show for the whole family. Inspired by Elvis Presley, Bye Bye Birdie takes place in the 1950’s when teen idol superstar Conrad Birdie gets drafted into the army. Birdie’s manager Albert and his secretary Rosie cook up a scheme to have Birdie sing their new hit song and get one last kiss from a lucky teenager fan, Kim on “The Ed Sullivan Show”.

Bye Bye Birdie has a cast of over 35 actors of all different ages and there are many different families represented in the cast. There are father/daughter, sister/brother, father/son, mother/daughter, husband/wife and one husband/sister/sister-in-law combination. Bye Bye Birdie is most definitely a family show in so many ways!

Jeff Grossman is playing Albert, Conrad Birdie’s manager, while his daughter Sabrina is enjoying being in the children’s chorus. “It is a great experience and a lot of fun being in a musical with my daughter. It is different but I like having this experience with my family.” Jeff’s older daughter, Maya worked with her Dad on stage when she was the Doormouse with Jeff as the Mad Hatter in Port Washington Play Troupe’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

Stuart and Margaret Werner are busy at work as Prop masters as well as being on stage in the ensemble. As Stuart and Margaret are married they spend a lot of time discussing Bye Bye Birdie. Recently Stuart was shaking cans of fake “beer” to test what it would look like when opened on stage. Margaret has been busy recreating newspapers from 1958 that are being used in the show. “We talk about props a lot,” remarked Stuart. “On our recent vacation, we kept singing songs from Bye Bye Birdie much to our hostess’ chagrin!”

Executive producer Lori Zlotoff wears many hats as she is portraying the Mayor’s Wife, producing, and is the mother of Abigail who is featured as the sad girl in “Put on a Happy Face”. Abigail said “I love being in the show with my mom, because it’s so fun to watch her on stage and see her being so emotional!”

The largest family in Bye Bye Birdie is Joel Ronis (ensemble) who is married to Jane Ronis (stage manager) and Caryn Ronis (Mae) who is sister to Joel and sister in law to Caryn. Joel has only been on the stage once before when he was in Annie with his daughter Molly with their family dog playing Sandy. Both Caryn and Jane have an impressive resume in theater having met while studying theater in college. Caryn noted “My brother is pretty smart and I am always asking him for advice. It’s nice to have him on my turf for a change!”

Don’t miss seeing this diverse and large cast that will also feature some surprise guest appearnaces from The Community Synagogue. The hummable score of hit songs like “Put on A Happy Face” and “Kids” will be accompanied by a full orchestra. Performances will be at The Landmark on Main 232 Main Street in Port Washington on Sunday January 31st at 2:00 PM, Thursday February 4th at 7:00 PM and Saturday February 6th at 8:00 PM. Tickets for Bye Bye Birdie are $27.50 to $42.50 for premium seating. Currently premium seating is sold out and regular seats are selling fast, so don’t delay. For more information on tickets, advertising or sponsorships please visit www.commsyn.org, www.facebook.com/thecommunitysynagoguetheatercompany or call 516-883-3144 ext 359.

Founded in 1952, The Community Synagogue serves 720 families in Port Washington, NY is Port Washington’s largest Reform congregation. It is a place of openness to all, where each person can connect, where comfort and caring matter. It is a place of strength and beauty, spirituality and learning, creative possibility, a place filled with God’s spirit and human kindness.