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BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE TEENSTAGE PRESENTS “BYE BYE BIRDIE” July 25-26, 2013 Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Lee Adams
Berkeley Playhouse presents its next TeenStage production, BYE BYE BIRDIE. BYE BYE BIRDIE is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. A satire on American society done with the fondest affection, the story, set in 1958, was inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley and his draft notice. When hip-thrusting rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army, one final national publicity plan is concocted before his induction – as a farewell, he will bid a typical all- American teenage girl goodbye with a kiss on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kim MacAfee of Sweet Apple, Ohio is the lucky girl chosen randomly from Conrad's fan club for the honor. However, Conrad's hip-thrusting makes more than one man in town uncomfortable, many of whom attempt to stop the show from happening. This Tony Award-winning musical features such classic songs as “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” and “What Did I Ever See in Him?”. With musical direction by Margaret Halbig and choreography by Matthew McCoy, BYE BYE BIRDIE is a lively musical gem for the entire family.
Berkeley Playhouse believes that kids and teens have the ability to command their own audiences. The company’s acclaimed TeenStage program gives talented students the opportunity to participate in full- scale youth-only productions of the highest quality with some of the best professional directors, choreographers, and designers in the Bay Area. Cast members of TeenStage productions receive ongoing training in acting, voice, and movement.
Berkeley Playhouse was founded by actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years, Elizabeth McKoy. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory, which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.
DATES: Thursday, July 25, 7pm; Friday, July 26, 3:15pm, 7pm
WHERE: Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley
TICKETS: For tickets ($20 Adults, $15 Youth) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351
Berkeley Playhouse gratefully acknowledges the following for their support: The Alameda County Arts Commission, City of Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Extreme Pizza, The Imagination Foundation, and individual donors.