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Bye Bye Birdie soared onto the Broadway scene in 1960, capturing the cultural phenomenon of rock and roll and the frenzy surrounding teen idols. Though not a direct biographical story, the musical drew inspiration from the real-life draft notice of Elvis Presley in 1957. Elvis's induction into the army sent shockwaves through his legions of young fans, and Bye Bye Birdie cleverly mirrored that national phenomenon.
The show was a collaborative effort by a group of talented newcomers. Charles Strouse composed the catchy music, while Lee Adams and Michael Stewart crafted the witty book and lyrics. Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera brought the story to life in the lead roles. Bye Bye Birdie was a smash hit from the very beginning. Opening on Broadway in 1960, it ran for over 600 performances and garnered critical acclaim. Songs like "Put On a Happy Face" and "A Lot of Livin' To Do" became instant classics, capturing the spirit of the era.
The success of the musical wasn't confined to Broadway. It enjoyed a successful London production and several revivals over the years. There was also a film adaptation in 1963 starring Dick Van Dyke alongside Janet Leigh.
News About BYE BYE BIRDIE at John F. Kennedy Center
Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, & Ephraim Sykes Will Lead Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE
February 20, 2024Christian Borlw, Krysta Rodrigues, and Ephraim Sykes will lead The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts's Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. With direction by Marc Bruni, check out the cast and find out how to get tickets for the production which runs in June 2024.
FUNNY GIRL, TICK, TICK… BOOM, BYE BYE BIRDIE & More Set for The Kennedy Center's 2023-24 Theater Season
May 04, 2023The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2023–2024 Theater season, featuring thrilling Broadway hits and the fifth season of its critically-acclaimed, star-studded Broadway Center Stage series.
Debbie Allen, Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, Midori, and Dick Van Dyke to be Honored at 43 Annual Kennedy Center Honors
January 13, 2021Recipients to be honored at the 43rd annual national celebration of the arts are: multi-disciplinary artist, choreographer, and actress Debbie Allen; singer-songwriter and activist Joan Baez; country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks; violinist Midori; and actor Dick Van Dyke.
Global Roundup 3/6 - Olivier Award Nominations, BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Kennedy Center, and More!
March 06, 2020BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature the Olivier Award nominations, BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Kennedy Center, and More!
Michael Park, Ben Levi Ross & More Join NEXT TO NORMAL at the Kennedy Center
January 08, 2020The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces the complete cast and creative team for the Broadway Center Stage production of the Pulitzer Prizea?" winning musical, Next to Normal, starring Tony®, Emmy®, and Grammy Award® winner Rachel Bay Jones (Dear Evan Hansen, Pippin) as Diana with Tony® and Emmy® Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, Shuffle Along) as Dan.
Michael Greif to Direct Brandon Victor Dixon and Rachel Bay Jones-Led Production of NEXT TO NORMAL at Kennedy Center
November 14, 2019The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces that Michael Greif, who holds the distinction of being the only director to helm the original Broadway productions of two Pulitzer Prize-winning musicals (RENT and Next to Normal), will return to Next to Normal to direct for the Broadway Center Stage production.
Kennedy Center Announces Rachel Bay Jones in NEXT TO NORMAL, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and More in Upcoming Season
March 28, 2019The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced its 2019–2020 theater season, with more than 15 productions from New York, London, and across the globe, plus original Kennedy Center productions.
Videos
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Marjorie Prime
Prologue Theatre (4/26 - 5/19) | |
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Mummy in the Closet: Evita's Return
GALA Hispanic Theatre (5/9 - 6/9) | |
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Pasión y Fuego: The Music of Spain
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (6/15 - 6/15) CONCERT
PHOTOS
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The Matchbox Magic Flute
STC's Klein Theatre (5/21 - 6/16) | |
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The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage (6/6 - 7/14) | |
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Armenian Youth Center of Greater Washington Inc. presents Armenian Cultural Night
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (9/14 - 9/14) | ||
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Metamorphoses
Folger Theatre (5/7 - 5/26) | |
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Rockville Little Theatre presents Murder on the Orient Express
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (5/3 - 5/12) | |
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Momia en el Clóset (Mummy in the Closet)
GALA Hispanic Theatre (5/9 - 6/9) | |
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Rockville Musical Theatre presents The Little Mermaid
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (6/28 - 7/14) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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