Theater Review: Birdie Will Dazzle and Charm

It would be tough to find a livelier, more wildly enthusiastic group of bobby soxers than those squealing at the sight of hip-shaking Conrad Birdie in Bedford Middle School's production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Bedford Middle School 7th- and 8th-graders are presenting this happy musical, set in the late 50s and inspired by the real-life Elvis Presley.  In the show, rock'n'roll idol Conrad Birdie is drafted into the U.S. Army, but not before getting "One Last Kiss" from one of his star-struck teenage fans. 

From the vintage television footage to the colorful, multi-level set, this is a production sure to dazzle the eye and charm the ear - that is, once you get past the high decibel screams of the swooning Birdie fans.  And whatever you do, stay out of the aisles!

About 90 students are in the cast, and you can hear every one of them.  Another 25 are working as tech support behind the scenes.  The ambitious set and many scene changes are handled with surprising sureness for such a young group of performers.

The leads are all double cast, so your intrepid Patch reporter cannot vouch for every single performer, but judging by the student actors at Wednesday's rehearsal, the level of presentation is very high.  The young lady playing Rose has an outstanding voice and stage presence, and the actor playing Albert does an admirable job as the mama's boy Rose loves.  Kim and best friend Ursula, as well as Birdie himself and the very funny Mrs. Peterson were all well presented. 

But the real stars of this production are the kids in the ensemble.  It's often hard to get enthusiasm and sustained energy out of middle schoolers, as those of us who have directed this age group know.  Somehow, director Karen McCormick manages it. 

With 12 years as a drama teacher at Bedford, McCormick said she feels lucky to have the help of so many fellow teachers and parents, some of whom have professional performing experience themselves.  Ryan O'Neill, the assistant director, has been an important part of the program for many years.  He's a Staples alum and a professional singer/songwriter who teaches guitar and voice. 

The music director is Stan Wietrzychowski, who leads a nine-piece professional pit band.  Aron Smith serves as vocal coach, and choreography was handled by Rich Costa, a dancer with Broadway and national tour credits.

Peter DiFranco, one of the art teachers at the school, designed and built the set with the help of art teacher Lynn Karmen.  Lauren Bullock, who teaches computer as well as drama and presentation skills, stepped in just a few days ago and quickly put together the old-time TV footage which opens the show. 

Many of the folks who have worked on the musical with the student actors have been after school four to five days a week since September, including several weekend marathon work days.  Volunteers and parents Pam Beaudoin and Susan Kobylinski designed, sewed, or borrowed all of the costumes for 90 kids with up to three costume changes a piece.  Parent producers Tracy Robinson and Marge French pulled all of the committees together, from programs and ticket sales to fundraising and cast party planning.

Director McCormick says she is very fortunate that the two middle and high schools in Westport work together and share resources in terms of theatre productions - sets, props and costumes have all been swapped around as needed between the schools.

This production makes good use of the bright color blocks and varying levels of the set.  When Conrad Birdie lands onstage in gold lamé, with shades, boots, and a guitar in front of his dangerously swiveling hips, he's placed high atop one of the blocks, making him a believable teen idol.  His first entrance has to be heard to be believed. 

Standout moments include the opening production number, when the entire cast chimes in for an introduction that raises the roof - and where did they find all those corded phone handsets?  Watch for the lively and well-executed choreography in "Put On A Happy Face."  The title song is well sung by the Birdie fan club girls, led by Ursula, as they go from mournful to gleeful in just a few verses. 

One of the actors playing Conrad Birdie pronounced the experience of being in the show, "really fun."  He has prior experience, having been in a couple of summer productions. 

Also an experienced performer is one of the students who played Mae Peterson, Albert's mom.  She described her character as an "over-controlling mother."

Identical twin boys play Hugo F. Peabody.  Peabody is ingénue Kim's love interest, the bold young man who has just "pinned" her - a courtship ritual that may be foreign to many middle schoolers.

Another thing that may be new to these young performers is the name Ed Sullivan (who is the subject of a hymn-like song intoned by the MacAfee family). 

Those in the audience who are old enough to remember the real Ed Sullivan will get a chuckle out of the reenactment of his show, complete with the Andrews Sisters and live commercials.  "Remember where the yellow went?  It's gone when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent."

And yes... this reporter remembers that jingle.  Sshhh... don't tell anyone.

Tickets are available via the Internet at ByeByeBirdieTkts@yahoo.com.  Performances at Bedford Middle School kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, December 4, with shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 5 and at 2 p.m. Sunday December 6.