A bright playwright thought this idea would could become a musical. Hmmm.......
To protect copyright laws, Elvis became Conrad Birdie, fictional heartthrob to only this musical in the image of the cultural icon.
For preshow entertainment, you want to get your seats early due to special music provided by the Thomas Jefferson Vocal Music Department on opening night and the Omaha Jitterbugs for the dancing. Personally, I would enjoy more of this entertainment from the local high schools. Thank you, Travis Walker.
Leading the show of Bye Bye Birdie as Rosie is Julia Vanderpoole and in the role of Albert if Adam Fulbright. Julia has a beautiful voice which improved throughout the show with her confidence. Adam Fulbright is one teen who you want to now see and hear. Wow! This is one person who could become a professional actor/musician in the future. He truly commanded the stage with his talents.
As Conrad, Erich Swartz was fun to watch imitating Elvis’ moves and the voice. As the teenager Kim, Krysin. Holmes was delightful.
The show includes numerous familiar tunes, including “Put on a Happy Face.” The costumes are great reflecting the 1950s along with the sets and props. Denise Putman is the director while Jerry Gray is in charge of the music along with the choreography by Jason DeLong.
What impressed me the most were the wonderful blended harmonies in many of the songs. The alto section was exceptionally good adding a true professional quality to the show.
For those visiting the theater who are not middle-aged or older, you need a little background about the draft process and icehouses.
Warning: Many members of the ensemble are female and teenagers. Remember how teens reacted to Elvis or the Beatles. Yes, there will be the teenaged girl scream.
With this Young Performers’ Edition of Bye Bye Birdie, all the performers on stage are eighteen or younger. Those older are the support crew for those on stage. All are wonderful, both on stage and off, of Bye Bye Birdie.
This show is for all ages. The show lasts about 75 minutes with no intermission. These Young Performers Editions shorten the show without leaving out relevant events or songs.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on this Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 22nd. (Shows the second week tend to be much better than the first since nerves are usually settled by the second week.). Even if you saw the show last weekend, if it even more fun enjoying it again.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 712-323-9955 or at www.chanticleertheater.com. For adults, tickets are $20, for seniors sixty and over, $16; and $10 for students.
The Chanticleer Theater is located 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs.
What a great way to celebrate September with Conrad going off to the Army and you are attending the Chanticleer Theater.
