BYE BYE BIRDIE Coming to Pennwood Middle School This Spring

Bye Bye Birdie, the nostalgic, musical comedy staging the story of army draftee Conrad Birdie and his dramatic exodus before reporting for duty, is coming live to the Pennwood Middle School stage on March 31 and April 1, 2017.

Nearly 100 Pennwood rising stars and countless volunteer friends and families have contributed time, skills and creativity to present the classic story starring Grace Lombardi as Rose Alvarez, AJ Rivera as Albert Peterson, Abby Leach as Kim MacAfee, Ryan Torres as Conrad Birdie, Wesley Carty and Amanda Lee as Mrs. & Mrs. MacAfee, Vanessa Nolan as Ursula Merkle, Chase Hoffman as Hugo Peabody, Allezon Bonilla as Gloria Rasputin and Madison Russell as Mrs. Mae Peterson, a very talented chorus and featuring the Happy Face dancers. Directed by Mr. Brian Davis, the show is supported by a large student crew, and features live musicians and many custom-built stage sets.

"The commitment from this cast and crew during these past months has been extraordinary. We are thrilled to share the fun we've had creating it with everyone in the community. It's such an enjoyable, up beat show. You really won't want to miss out on the great entertainment as these boys and girls will keep the Pennwood theatre rockin'!" shared director Brian Davis.

Bye Bye Birdie takes us back to 1958, when Birdie's publicity manager, Albert, and his secretary, Rosie, conjure up some PR hype for their teen heartthrob client before he leaves for the service. One lucky girl, Kim MacAfee, from Sweet Apple, Ohio, is selected to be publicly serenaded and receive "One Last Kiss" from Birdie live on the "Ed Sullivan Show." Birdie shakes, rattles and rolls leading up to the televised event and the townspeople go into a frenzy, including Kim's best friend, Ursula, her steady, Hugo, and Albert's meddling mother Mrs. Peterson, who deal with challenges of their own.

The Pennwood actors will present the original score by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, including "Put on a Happy Face," "Lot of Livin' to Do," "Kids," "One Boy," and a notable presentation of the "Telephone Hour." The story takes a variety of humorous twists and the Pennwood performers deliver fun for the whole family.

Show times for this smash hit family musical are March 31, 7:00 p.m., and April 1, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Ticket sale dates are March 23 and March 28, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Pennwood Middle School, 1523 Makefield Rd., Yardley. Tickets are also available at the door on performance nights, 30 minutes prior to curtain. The audience entrance and ticket sale location is through the double doors on Roeloffs Road. For more information on tickets, email pennwoodmusical@yahoo.com.