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.
Year | Category | |
---|---|---|
1961 | Best Musical | Winner |
Videos
Jelly's Last Jam
Pasadena Playhouse (5/29 - 6/23) | ||
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Sally Field Performing Arts Center (6/1 - 6/9) | ||
SO MY DAD F*CKED THE NANNY
Thymele Arts, Kansas Room (6/20 - 6/30) | ||
Juneteenth Celebration: T-Pain Plus Special Guests
Hollywood Bowl (6/19 - 6/19) | ||
Change The Game
McCadden (6/9 - 6/16) NEW MUSICAL
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
| ||
FRIDA-Stroke of Passion- IMMERSIVE
CASA 0101 theater (5/31 - 6/9) LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
| ||
space exploration because SPACE EXPLORATION because sPaCe eXpLoRaTiOn!!!
Madnani Theater (6/10 - 6/30)
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
| ||
Goo Checkers
Hudson Backstage (6/8 - 6/20) | ||
A Faery Hunt Enchanted Adventure
Crestwood Hills Park (6/9 - 6/9) | ||
Fat Ham
The Old Globe (5/25 - 6/23) | ||
Dudamel Leads Beethoven 9
Hollywood Bowl (9/10 - 9/10) | ||
Spirit of the Dane
Santa Monic Playhouse (6/14 - 6/30) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
Recommended For You