By Staff Writer, Alexandra Von Ritzhoff

Most students today are not exposed to theatrical productions such as musicals, although this February, anyone who sees the Bye Bye Birdie in the auditorium will be. This production is filled with singing, dancing, acting, and events based on the character of Elvis Presley in the 1950’s.
Bye Bye Birdie is about a singer, Conrad Birdie, who is drafted into the military. Before he is drafted, his witty manager, Albert Peterson, and “faithful” secretary, Rose Alvarez, come up with an idea of having a regular teenager receive an All-American kiss on “The Ed Sullivan Show” from Conrad before he leaves.
Kim MacAfee, a teenager from Sweet Apple, Ohio is the lucky one chosen to be kissed. On the way to Sweet Apple, Conrad, Albert, and Kim create commotion and jealousy.                                                 
Choir Teacher Beth Richey chose this play “because it’s funny [and has a] good size cast [which lets] students be more involved.”
Drama Teacher Dave Huber will be collaborating with Richey by directing the production with her. 
“Teachers will be playing roles as adults and students will be playing roles as kids,” Huber said.  
Among the few to be named who are playing the adults are Principal Kevin Welsh as the mayor, English teacher Charles Brogdon as the father of Kim MacAfee, and assistant principal Caroline Sweeney. Brogdon has decided to accept a bigger role in this play which is very different because he always has small parts in other productions. He remembers that the year he graduated from high school was when the play premiered to the public.
Leading the cast are Alex Gilewski (’08) as Conrad, Glenna Gasparian (’10) as Kim, Angineh Babakhanians (’09) as Rose, and Arjay Orbita (’08) as Conrad’s manager Albert.
Orbita is excited to be a part of the play. He knows that “people who like romance will like the play.” In order for him to prepare for the play he is “making sure [to] take care of [his] voice and warm up [before singing].”
The actors will be practicing everyday for two hours singing and dancing for about a month which is shorter than a normal practice period.
Huber has decided the costume style will be from the 1950s to keep the authenticity of the play. The costumes which the actors wore in the film “The Lady Killer,” starring Tom Hanks, will be worn by students in the production.
He believes that the costumes from the 1950s, handmade sets (which set this play differently from other productions preformed by students), and technology used in the play by the actors will create a “multimedia aspect.”
Also, “art students [will be] involved in painting and making posters,” Huber said. The stage crew has played a major part behind the scenes by making sets and preparing the auditorium.
Bye Bye Birdie opened last night and will continue tonight, tomorrow, and Monday night at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.