Bye Bye Birdie

by Desmond Sam

Some musicals are meant to teach a moral and leave you thinking. Other musicals are meant to just make you smile and brighten your day. Bye Bye Birdie is one of those musicals. If you ever need a pick me up, like a cup of hot chocolate or a comfy couch near a warm fireplace, Bye Bye Birdie is definitely the right cure.

Bye Bye Birdie is about singer Conrad Birdie (think Elvis), an out of control celebrity and an icon to teenagers, who is drafted into the army. His manager, Albert Peterson, wants Conrad to have his last kiss before leaving for war with a random fan on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kim MacAfee, president of the Conrad Birdie fan club, is chosen and the news turns her world upside down. The epicenter of this show was the romance between Albert and his secretary, Rose. Though Albert’s crazy mother and the ridiculous Conrad did get in the way, Albert and Rose prove that true love can never be broken.

There were many elements that popped out to me. The best part was the singing and dancing–the harmonies were beautiful and the heart that was put into each dance move was overwhelming. The set was amazing–everything moved! The stage became a girl’s bedroom, a train station (with a moving train), a living room and a TV studio all in the first act. The bright colors of the costumes lit up the stage and added to the feel of the musical. The teenagers’ costumes shifted to black, red and blue jeans when transitioning to night. It was breathtaking and showed that the teenagers were ready for rebellion. The stand out performance was John Stamos as Albert. He was a strong and powerful leading man, who took control of the musical adding to its humor. 

Bye Bye Birdie was fun, hilarious and entertaining. I recommend this musical to anyone and everyone. Sometimes you need to smile and laugh, especially in the society we live in, so come and enjoy Bye Bye Birdie. I promise you won’t regret it.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: Half-price student rush at half-hour; $26.50 general rush. Henry Miler's Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St.