'Bye Bye Birdie' Bows Thursday In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ, – Audiences will “Put on a Happy Face” at the Roosevelt Intermediate School production of Bye Bye Birdie, the Tony award-winning romantic musical comedy about 1950’s small-town America, teenagers and rock and roll starting Thursday.

Performances will take place on Thursday at 4 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m., with a special Q&A session with the cast following Thursday’s show.

Set in 1958, rock star and teen idol Conrad Birdie (Owen Ing) is drafted by the army and his
adoring fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter and manager Albert
Peterson (Skyler Lipkind), who was working on Birdie’s next hit song.

Albert's longtime secretary and girlfriend, Rosie (Bella Jarecki), is convinced that this is the best thing that could happen to her Albert, who can now give up the music business and settle down with her. In spite of this, she helps Albert come up with a plan for one more big promotion – a Birdie Fan Club contest – where the winner will join Birdie on live television for a song and goodbye kiss.

Sweet Apple Ohio teenager Kim McAfee (Sarah LaMonica) is declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend Hugo (Lucas Hubner) and the chaos it would bring to their small town.

“This musical was incredibly fun to put together. Our talented cast and crew bring the 1950’s vibe to life with screaming teenagers, and classic, high energy show tunes like Put on a Happy Face, A lot of Livin to Do and Spanish Rose,” said Director Kimberly Jonny, public speaking and drama teacher at Roosevelt Intermediate School.

“This year, we are excited to feature a special Q&A with the cast and crew immediately
following Thursday’s performance. This is a great opportunity for future Roosevelt students to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in musical theater,” she said.

This high-octane musical was choreographed by Samuel Spare, who has been performing
professionally for the past ten years for such companies as Six Flags, Busch Gardens, and more recently Norwegian Cruise Line. The musical direction was provided by Roosevelt School music teachers, Sabino Losco and Karen Romero.

In addition to the on-stage talent, RIS students play a large role behind the scenes. Student Stage Managers are Alexa Rappoport and Alexa Mora, leading a team of students that work on props, costumes, makeup, lighting and sound, and run crew.

Tickets for Bye Bye Birdie are $10 each and are on sale at ris.booktix.com. Advance purchases are recommended. Any tickets not sold in advance will be available at the door.

Tickets are reserved seating. Performances will be held in the auditorium of Roosevelt Intermediate School located at 301 Clark Street.

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