By Ashlei Havili Thomas
Though Bye Bye Birdie isn’t my favorite musical, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre cast in Orem brings the story to energetic and highly enjoyable life. What it slightly lacks in originality is made up for by the SCERA as Bye Bye Birdie transforms into a charming musical about small town America in the late 1950s. Based on the story of Elvis Presley when he was drafted in the Army, Bye Bye Birdie follows the story of Conrad Birdie (Ian Webb) and his manager, Albert (Ben Denton), as they set up “One Last Kiss” before Birdie goes into the army. With the book written by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams, and music by Charles Strouse, this musical has become a staple of high school productions and local theater companies. To my delight, the cast at the SCERA Shell had me tapping my foot along with the best of them.
Bye Bye Birdie opens with Albert Peterson and his long-time girlfriend-secretary Rosie Alvarez as they discuss how to get one big goodbye out of Conrad Birdie’s drafting into the army. They choose Kim MacAfee (Rebecca Boberg), captain of Sweet Apple, Ohio’s Birdie Fan Club to be Birdie’s “One Last Kiss” before going off to war. When the three arrive, Conrad Birdie and his rock ‘n’ roll charisma cause chaos for this little town. The tension only grows when Albert’s overbearing mother, Mae, arrives unexpectedly, creating tension for the couple. All ends well however, with Kim and her “steady” Hugo Peabody engaged and Albert and Rosie off to Pumpkin Falls, Iowa for an English teaching job. This glitz and glam filled musical is sure to knock your socks off.
The first thing you notice when you walk down the hill into this outdoor amphitheater is the set. Designed by Shawn M. Mortensen, the set is cleverly designed with lots of windows and doors (perfect for the show’s classic “Telephone Hour”), all with one-way slanted roofs, reminiscent of the Levittown style homes which are an iconic part of suburban Utah Valley. Throughout the musical, the lighting design, constructed by Elizabeth Griffiths, helps paint the picture of the many different backdrops in the musical. This hometown story is brought to life in full glory with the music direction by Kathryn Laycock Little, choreography by Brodee Ripple and direction by Howard Little and Kathryn Little.
There are many standout performances I would be square not to mention Webb’s iconic rock ‘n’ roll moves, commitment to the “bad boy” persona and over the top costuming (courtesy of designer Kelsey Seaver) transform him into teen sensation Conrad Birdie. I particularly enjoyed “Honestly Sincere,” Conrad’s opening song in Sweet Apple, as the entire town is thrown into a teen-fueled frenzy over Webb’s performance. Boberg’s performance as precocious, if somewhat naive (as shown in “How Lovely to Be a Woman”), Kim is sweet and ever the ingenue. Denton’s blissfully unaware, absent-minded professor Albert contrasts perfectly with T’naiha Ellis’ spit-fire, sassy “Spanish Rose”. Their singing melds wonderfully, while Denton’s dancing highlights her personality as the spirited lover with a heart of gold.
Luone Ingram’s Mae Peterson is one of the best I’ve seen. You couldn’t help but laugh at her self-depricating, attention-seeking (albeit sometimes racist) character. Though battling a sudden thunderstorm and brief downpour, “A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore” is a highlight comedic solo. In addition, Jack Brannelly’s Hugo Peabody is a classic mid-puberty boy, full of insecurities as his steady goes to kiss another man. I genuinely felt for him, as he woefully sought out something to ease his heartache (a jug of milk being his drug of choice).
The SCERA’s family-friendly musical has a great cast and production team that have created a wonderful piece. The energy of the ensemble is electric. Although a couple injuries were sustained, you are drawn in by their fun, happy attitude. Watch out, Shawn Mendes, there’s a new celebrity in town! Come to the SCERA Shell’s Outdoor Theater and bring your dancin’ shoes.
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre presents Bye Bye Birdie, with book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 699 South State St, Orem, UT 84058
August 3-18, 8:00 PM, Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri-Sat
Tickets: $10-16
SCERA Facebook page
Bye Bye Birdie Facebook Event
0 Comments