Temple Sinai Players to Perform Bye Bye Birdie

Temple Sinai Players, a community theater group based in Dresher, will be performing the stage musical “BYE BYE BIRDIE.” The acting troupe has been putting on shows for over 60 years with recent performances that include “MARY POPPINS,” “OLIVER,” “PETER PAN” and most recently “SHREK THE MUSICAL.”

Set in 1958, “BYE BYE BIRDIE” is inspired by the Army’s drafting of Elvis Presley in 1957 and focuses on rock star Conrad Birdie getting drafted, as his agent, Albert Peterson, and Albert’s secretary, Rosie Alvarez, devise a publicity stunt where Birdie gives one lucky fan, Kim MacAfee, a last kiss in accordance with his new song "One Last Kiss" on The Ed Sullivan Show before departing for his military service.

Sam Caplan (as Conrad Birdie)

Sam Caplan, who plays Conrad Birdie and has been performing with the group since 2015, discussed the appeal of the show, saying, “I love that I get to perform with so many great, talented people in a show that has hilarious dialogue and catchy music. It’s a performance that has a lot of opportunities to create comedy though physicality with limited dialogue.”

The show is co-produced by Jill Florin and Tracey Roffman, who also plays Rosie Alvarez. Florin explained the process they go through when selecting a show, saying, “We typically seek out shows that will have many roles for various age groups. Our hope is to always have as many participants as possible, with shows that appeal to all different age groups.” She went on to explain the specific appeal of “BYE BYE BIRDIE,” saying, “In the last few years, our focus has been on more Disney-type shows. This year, we wanted to transition a bit and “BYE BYE BIRDIE” seemed like a great choice. Unlike Disney, the focus is on a slightly older age group, with more teens, while still allowing for younger kids and adults to be involved. Plus, it appeals to an audience of all ages.”

Raven Steiner (as Kim MacAfee) and Ben Helzner (as Hugo Peabody)

Raven Steiner, who plays Kim MacAfee, is performing in her first show with Temple Sinai Players. She talked about her affinity for the musical, explaining, “I honestly love everything about it. I love the 50s decade, so the slang and costumes are super fun. The choreography and songs are so upbeat and exciting. Kim is fun to portray because she’s just so silly. She’s 15 years old but she’s decided that she’s already an adult.”

Zoe Halperin, who plays Ursula Merkle, Kim’s best friend, also discussed her experience with the musical, saying, “This is such a happy and energetic show. All the musical numbers are so fun and it has such a witty script. Ursula is quite passionate and hyper-energetic which I very much enjoy playing.”

Ben Helzner, who plays Hugo Peabody, Kim’s new steady, reviewed his character, explaining, “Two things immediately jump to mind. One is just how hilarious his whole arc is as a character. He's so naïve, yet also incredibly whiny and it makes for some hilarious moments. The other is the fact that I get to stage punch my good friend Sam Caplan at some point in the show.”

Show performances will take place on March 7, 8 and 10 at 7:30 pm and March 11 at 2:00 pm at Temple Sinai at 1401 N. Limekiln Pike in Dresher, Pa. Tickets can be purchased online at the TSP online box office.