PERKIOMIN VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL WEST PRESENTS BYE BYE BIRDIE

Theater: Perkiomin Valley Middle School
Show: Bye Bye Birdie
Opened: March 13, 2008
Seen: March 13, 2008
Reviewer: Arnie Finkel
Submitted: March 14, 2008

The 1960s were on stage at Perkiomen Valley Middle School West. A very spirited production of the Tony award winning musical took over the auditorium at the school. Michael Stewart’s book with music and lyrics by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams is a perfect vehicle for this age group. Granted many of the references are not in their world, for instance I doubt that many of the kids know who Ed Sullivan was, the energy and the screams and the reactions brought back the Beatles.

The story line puts rock star Conrad Birdie (here played well played by Hannah Toombs) in the last days before he goes into the Army. His manager, Albert Peterson, is urged by his secretary and love interest, Rose Alvarez, to give Conrad a good and monetarily valuable send off. The idea is to have Conrad sing a new song (written by Albert) and give a goodbye kiss to one of his many fans, Kim Macafee of Sweetwater, Kansas. The effects of this on everyone in Sweetwater, on Albert and Rosie, and on the Macafee family are what the book provides. The musical numbers include Put on a Happy Face, One Boy, A Lot of Living to Do and Kids.

Tyler Logan did a credible job as Albert. . Jessica Rivello made a sweet Kim. Her slight stature belies her vocal talent. One of the surprises in this performance was Cody Smirga who showed a real comedic gift as Hugo, the Mayor, and several other parts.

Emily Fry and Damar Fletcher were a fine Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee. Damar handled the comedy well and Emily’s good voice made you wish she had more to sing. Jesse O’Brien had her moments as Mae Peterson, Albert’s mother. Her dialogue is the best of the comedyand she pulled it off well. Paige Brooks contributed a super cameo as Gloria Rasputin. Everyone in the ensemble enjoyed what they were doing and that is contagious.

Director Krista Yerkes moved the huge cast well, using all parts of the hall, and keeping the pace comfortable. The set by Bob Enters, lighting by Nancy Sheppard, and sound by Matt Weir all added to the overall effect. Erica Cherry provided a one man orchestra at the piano. She prepared the musical productions well.

The Choreography by Tom Blair was outstanding. The Shriners ballet was an especially well done staging.

The evening belonged to Briana Krewson as Rosie. She showed a stage presence beyond her years. Her voice was terrific and she moves like a dream. Every syllable was easily understood and was accompanied by appropriate gestures. Her 11 o’clock number “Spanish Rose” deserved a standing ovation. Her acrobatic turn in the Shriner’s dance was the work of an accomplished athlete. I expect good things from her in the future.

All the proceeds of the three performances of Bye Bye Birdie are being donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Perkiomin Middle School has a lot to be proud of.