SSPA NEWS RELEASE
Hailed as one of the most captivating musical shows of our time by theater critics, Bye Bye Birdie hits the stage Sept. 6-8 at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno. This Broadway musical is a presentation of Sierra School of Performing Arts and includes a cast of more than 40 well known local actors and a full orchestra including 22 students from Reno High School Chamber Orchestra.
Bye Bye Birdie is a satire done with the fondest affection, and tells the story of a ’50s rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. This beloved musical theater classic includes many popular songs including “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids,” “One Last Kiss” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.”
The story of Bye Bye Birdie was inspired by the popularity of singer Elvis Presley when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1957. Presley himself was the first choice for the role of Conrad Birdie in the 1963 film adaptation of the stage production, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, rejected the idea because the role was a parody on Presley.
Local talent Evan Wood plays the role of teen idol Conrad Birdie, whose character name is a word play on another pop singer of the era, Conway Twitty. Additional cast members include:
Albert Tony Windisch
Rosie Stephanie McMullin
Conrad Evan Wood
Kim MacAfee Haley Forsyth
Mr. MacAfee Dan Robbins
Mrs. MacAfee Ali Beltramo
Randolph MacAfee Michael Carter
Ursula Nicole Delbridge
Hugo Eric Gieseke
Mayor Dave Anderson
Mayor’s Wife Marti Creveling
Maude Richard Haines
Mae Peterson Carla Wilson
Gloria Rasputan Anna Scarbrough
Mrs. Merkle Judy Davis Rounds
Mr. Johnson Daniel Owens
Alice Lindy Forman
Deborah Sue Dominique DePietro
Helen Anja Phillips
Nancy Adrianna Bravo
Margie Grace Ring
Penelope Zoey Mendoza
Suzie Gabrielle Santos
Harvey Marcus Rucks
Telephone Teen Boys Robert Simpson, Marshall Johnson, Arthur Walker, Daniel Owens, Jordan Stanfield
Teen Girls Ella Pena, Maggie Froese, Emilie Pena, Macie King, Hannah Danforth, Neige Siridachanon
Kid’s Chorus Alyssa Underhill, Kaytlin Hawkins, Ellie Yarbrough, Asher Hansen
SSPA Artistic Director Janet Lazarus will return to the role of director and is joined by Musical Director Gerry Willis, Vocal Director Gary Aldrich and Choreographer Amanda Albert. Bye Bye Birdie book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams and originally produced by Edward Padula.
Bye Bye Birdie is the tops in imagination and good old fashion ’50s fun and is perfect for the entire family. Shows are 7:30 Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-8, and 2 p.m. Saturday Sept. 7. Seating is limited. Tickets are adults – $17.00 (in advance), $20.00 (at the door). Students/seniors (65+) $15.00. Students must show ID. Tickets are available on line at www.sierraschoolofperformingarts.org or at the door. The Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater is located at 6000 Bartley Ranch Road at Bartley Ranch Regional Park.
Bye Bye Birdie is produced in part by grants from the Hawkins Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation. SSPA is a Nevada-based 501c(3) which aims to make performing arts learning and performing available to all ages.
