NSCDS 7th-Grader Stars In 'Bye Bye Birdie'

From North Shore Country Day School: North Shore Country Day School 7th-grader Kaitlyn Olson of Winnetka will play Kim McAfee in the Performer’s School production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Skokie Theatre this weekend.

At NSCDS last spring, she appeared in the all-school musical “Seussical,” and since it was her first year at the school, she was thrilled to be able to interact with students from all three of the school’s divisions. Kaitlyn has been singing, dancing and acting on stage since the age of 3 in theaters in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Seattle, but this is her first featured role in the Chicago area.

A loving send-up of the late 1950s, small-town America, teenagers and rock 'n' roll, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie, who has been drafted into the army. Before he goes, he chooses all-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss on national television. Featuring a high-energy score and a hilarious script, Birdie remains one of the most popular shows across the country. Hit songs include “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” “One Boy,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” “Kids!” and “Rosie.”

The production is double cast. You can catch Kaitlyn on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, go here.

Photos courtesy of the Performer’s School and distributed with permission. Photo credit to photographer
Teri Albus: North Shore Country Day School 7th-grader Kaitlyn Olson stars as Kim McAfee in the Performer’s School production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Skokie Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. Photo by Teri Albus, Courtesy of the Performer’s School, used with permission.