From the Big Apple to Sweet Apple.
When big city record producer Albert Peterson is looking to make a splash with his next hit song for his teen idol star Conrad Birdie, his secretary/girlfriend Rose Alvarez has what looks like the perfect solution. Find a small town girl to receive that ‘one last kiss’ on national television before Conrad heads into the Army.
Sounds simple enough?
Throw in a highly-jealous boyfriend, a tight-collared father, Albert’s overly-dramatic mother and some constantly-singing teenyboppers, and the visit becomes anything but ordinary.
London director Tim Tanner has assembled a fine troupe of enthusiastic (and talented) young actors in presenting a rousing rendition of the classic musical, “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
This toe-tapping show will be presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. in the school’s Joyce Hildebrand Auditorium, 336 Elm St. Tickets are $7 and available at the door.
Stage veteran Nathan Adkins is one of the gems of the show as he gives yet another stellar performance, this time as jittery talent agent Albert Peterson. Adkins excels as the prototypical nerdy mama’s boy — showing perfectly how he struggles being pulled between the woman he adores and the battle-ax who borne him. A nice singing voice comes through in the catchy “Put On a Happy Face.”
From the defiance of “Spanish Rose” to the sensitivity of the “One Boy Reprise,” Sarah George gives a fine performance in the role of Rose Alvarez, Albert’s secretary and girlfriend. Head-strong and confident, George’s Alvarez shows the impatience in waiting for the man she loves.
As the other gem of the show, Aaron Gates concludes an action-packed high school theatrical career as the title character. Driving the ladies wild with his suave, Elvis Presley-esque, anti-nerd qualities, Gates is sure to get the house rocking with the high-energy “Honestly Sincere.” Whether taming his locks with a switchblade comb or expending some energy after chugging a beverage, Gates provides the show with some memorable moments.
Shining as the spunky teenager who wants to grow up, but doesn’t know how, Zoey Marshall is lovely as the chosen one — Kim MacAfee. Marshall nicely shows struggling with her caring for her ordinary boyfriend Hugo and her allegiance to Birdie.
Melanie Green is melodramatically-charming as Albert’s overbearing mama, Mae. A senior, Green goes out on a high note in this comical portrayal. Her rendition of ‘A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ is one of the show’s highlights.
With the lovable crustiness of a Fred Flintstone-type character, Hobbes Treynor does well as Kim’s authoritarian father. Strong paternal powers make way for a delicate side when he anticipates meeting his idol — Ed Sullivan.
In other supporting roles, Ruth Peart is delightfully Donna Reed-like as Kim’s dutiful mother, Joshua Lickliter is adorable as the comics-reading brother Randolph, and Clayton Arvin is paranoia, nerdiness and sensitivity all rolled into one as Kim’s steady, Hugo.
Deserving special mention are Kim’s constantly-swooning (and appropriately-annoying) friends, led by Sara Madden as her boisterous best buddy, Ursula.
The key to success of any musical is the execution of the ensemble, and they perform admirably. Whether it is the contagious “Telephone Hour” or the patriotic “Healthy, American Boy,” the ensemble shows its true colors, led by choreography from Valerie Tanner.
The sets construction — headed by Mark Boyd and Ty Dulin — represent the simplicity of the 1950s with sort of a cartoonish flare (complements of artist Barb Lewis), especially the interior of the MacAfee home. The costumes (coordinated by Connie Bechtel) help the audience travel back in time as well.
A quaint pit band — led by conductor Amanda Tobias — adds just the right musical touch to complete the picture.
So, as you say “bye, bye” to Birdie, you will be sure to be humming the songs all the way home.
Things change in Sweet Apple, Ohio when teen idol Conrad Birdie (played by Aaron Gates, with Ashley Adelsberger, left, and Amaya Siddiqi) comes to town. It all comes to life this weekend as London High School presents “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
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Things change in Sweet Apple, Ohio when teen idol Conrad Birdie (played by Aaron Gates, with Ashley Adelsberger, left, and Amaya Siddiqi) comes to town. It all comes to life this weekend as London High School presents “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
Jeff Gates | For The Madison Press
Harry MacAfee (Hobbes Treynor, left) and his wife Doris (Ruth Peart) lament the stress of having teenagers during London High School’s presentation of “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
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Harry MacAfee (Hobbes Treynor, left) and his wife Doris (Ruth Peart) lament the stress of having teenagers during London High School’s presentation of “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
Jeff Gates | For The Madison Press
When teen idol Conrad Birdie comes to town (played by Aaron Gates), the residents of Sweet Apple have a hard time keeping their composure. Join London High School for its rendition of the musical-comedy “Bye, Bye Birdie,” on stage Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in London High School’s Joyce Hildebrand Auditorium.
http://madison-press.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bbb-press.jpg
When teen idol Conrad Birdie comes to town (played by Aaron Gates), the residents of Sweet Apple have a hard time keeping their composure. Join London High School for its rendition of the musical-comedy “Bye, Bye Birdie,” on stage Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in London High School’s Joyce Hildebrand Auditorium.
Jeff Gates | For The Madison Press
The teens of Sweet Apple, Ohio gossip about the ‘pinning” of Kim MacAfee and Hugo Peabody during London High School’s “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
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The teens of Sweet Apple, Ohio gossip about the ‘pinning” of Kim MacAfee and Hugo Peabody during London High School’s “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
Jeff Gates | For The Madison Press
By Jeff Gates
For The Madison Press
Jeff Gates has been reviewing high school and community plays/musicals for The Madison Press for more than 20 years. He is the founder of Madison County Arts Council and is a member of the London City School Fine Arts Hall of Fame.