New Paradigm Theatre and The American Legion Post

New Paradigm Theatre (NPT), a company well-known for its inventive productions that are presented with multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-gendered casting has chosen a community nonprofit that echoes the themes in their upcoming production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Each summer The New Paradigm Theatre Company partners with another non-profit
organization that reflects the theme of the summer production to raise money and awareness
for issues and organizations surrounding the community. For Bye Bye Birdie, NPT is proud to
partner with The American Legion of Norwalk.

The American Legion is celebrating 100 years since its inception. As a patriotic Veterans
organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, and with the resonating themes of military service
and Americanism, it is truly fitting to be partnered with New Paradigm Theatre Company for
their production of Bye Bye Birdie. The play is inspired by the phenomenon of singer Elvis
Presley, one of America’s most significant icons in rock and roll history, as he was drafted into
the U.S. Army in 1957. The American Legion family includes the American Legion Auxiliary and
the Sons of the American Legion; organizations comprised of descendants of Legion eligible
Veterans. The organization is nonpartisan and not-for-profit and their sole mission is to foster
and strengthen local communities and Veteran relationships through the Legion’s four pillars:
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Children and Youth, Americanism, and National Security.
“We are honored and grateful to NPT for this opportunity and along with them we wish to thank
all our Veterans for their service to this great nation.” says a spokesperson for the American
Legion.

NPT’s Artist Director and Broadway veteran, Kristin Huffman (Milford CT) says, “New Paradigm
Theatre believes that we can produce shows and display a social justice conscience. These
shows not only entertain with Broadway pros on stage, but they also connect directly to our
community. During the rehearsals many youth and college interns will participate side-by-side
with Broadway pros to learn and to create this production of Bye Bye Birdie. We are also
featuring a group of the Veterans onstage during one of the Bye Bye Birdie scenes.”

As partnerships between nonprofits continue to form in order to tackle social challenges from all
sides, and as youth lead the way to a better world, this type of collective impact production has
become increasingly relevant and a vital component of a community.

For more info on the show please visit: www.nptheatre.org