Video: DAHS Presents 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Professional sets, fun costumes, skilled choreohraphy and catchy music made Division Avenue High School's production of "Bye Bye Birdie" an unforgettable event for everyone involved, but it was the passion and talent of the students on stage that really blew audiences away.

When Alex Lavoie, as Albert Peterson, and Megan Farrell, as Rose Alvarez, wrapped up the spring musical's final number Saturday night with "Rosie", a heartfelt song between the two lovers who finally overcame their obstacles, it was clear that none of the actors were ready to say goodbye to the stage.

The final bows were filled with tears and mixed emotions, as the students spoke about how proud they were of the final product, thanked everyone who made it possible and said goodbye to the 19 seniors who had sung their last notes on the high school stage.

"It's been such a pleasure working with each and every one of you," Lavoie told the seniors tearfully as the underclassmen handed out roses. "I'm just gonna miss you guys."

The students recognized their chorus teacher, and the show's producer, Peter Rufa, who is new this year to Division, and thanked him for his positive attitude throughout rehearsals.

Also called on stage by the students were Mark Martufi, who conducted the show's live orchestra, choreographers Alice LoGuidice and Ryan Nolin, and director Andrea Galeno.

Farrell's singing, dancing and acting stole the spotlight as Albert Peterson's spunky Spanish girlfriend, and Lavoie was both lovable and believable as the well-intentioned man who finally stands up to his overbearing mother, comedically portrayed by Brielle Wiener.

Lauren Montvilo fit perflectly into character as Kim MacAfee, the cute old-fashioned all-American girl who is chosen to be kissed by teen idol Conrad Birdie (Cody Hosza) on the "Ed Sullivan Show" before he heads out to war, and Ed Baquet had the audience laughing as Kim's anxious but spotlight hungry father.

Every other member of the cast added something special to the show in their musical numbers, telling the story of how one rockstar drove teens in a small, quiet town wild during the World War II era with pure enthusiasm that electrified the entire auditorium.

To check out video and photos from the final show, click on the gallery.