Bye, Bye, Birdie

Normally, when it comes to college students and musicals, they are not very popular. They could be too old, boring, maybe even bizarre. This past weekend, I attended “Bye Bye Birdie.”  To my surprise, it wasn’t that bad.  Every song and dance number kept the crowd entertained, there was plenty of laughter to reach around the auditorium.  Directed by Doreen Matteson, this adaptation of the classic musical was one of the best that I have seen; and especially the background music, courtesy of the orchestra directed by Dr. Margaret Mayer.  As my date and I watched the play, the music helped me to envision that it was real, It felt as though, I was in the `50’s.  Albert Peterson, (portrayed by BMCC student Steven Scott), really kept the play entertaining, and his dialogue with his loyal secretary Rose (portrayed by BMCC student Julie Adams) was especially amusing.  According to patrons who have already seen the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time.  It is a satire done with the fondest affection, and tells the story of a rock-and-roll singer (Conrad Birdie, portrayed by Sean O’Grady), who is about to be inducted into the army.  The score includes such hits as: Put on a happy face, What did I ever see in him, A lot of livin’ to do, Rosie, and Spanish Rose.  Nostalgia and fun definitely fill this stage. 

If you have not yet seen the play, you still have four opportunities.  May 29, 30, and 31 at 7:30, or you could see the final performance on June 1 at 2:00 pm.

By, Tavis Ferguson