North Aurora Student to Perform as 'Kim MacAfee' in Bye Bye Birdie

Written By Allison Lindy

In Bye Bye Birdie, Kim MacAfee is a fun-loving teenager with a lot of spunk. 17-year old Amber Smith of North Aurora, Illinois proves once again that life often imitates art as she brings her own fun-loving and spunky personality to the stage. Amber joins a cast of 98 young performers in Spotlight Youth Theater’s production of Bye Bye Birdie this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Amber is a five-year veteran of Spotlight and this is her 16th production. Amber is truly a theater-lover. Whether her roles have been large or small, ensemble or lead, she loves them all, she says. And, she says, when it comes to Bye Bye Birdie, she can ‘t choose just one favorite song. Instead, she rattles off a list of nearly every song in the show! This former ballerina, brings a warm smile and loving heart to her portrayal of Kim MacAfee. Both on and off stage, Amber exudes a joy that’s practically palpable. You won’t want to miss some of her favorite songs: “One Boy,” and “How Lovely to Be a Woman.” But, don’t let her sweet face fool you for too long! She’s a teenager like any other in fictional Sweet Apple, Ohio and she can scream and squeal over the Elvis-like Conrad Birdie like none other! Amber brings Kim MacAfee to life on stage and you’ll find yourself wanting to shriek and swoon right along with her. Be careful, she’ll knock your bobby socks right off!

Aurora’s Spotlight Youth Theater offers numerous classes, and puts on three fully produced professional quality shows a year. The group, whose purpose statement is “Reflecting Christ through the performing arts”, stresses community as well as excellence.

Showtimes are as follows:

Friday, February 12th – 7:00pm

Saturday, February 13th – 2:00pm

Saturday, February 13th – 6:00pm

Sunday, February 14th – 3:00pm

Tickets may be purchased online at www.spotlight.org, or at the door.