Outstanding choreography and great acting makes “Bye Bye Birdie” what could easily be just another so-so musical into one of the theatrical events of the season. I mean a show based on the premise that a young singing sensation is about to be drafted and shipped overseas as part of the United States Army doesn’t seem like much of a storyline, except, this is, for the fact that Conrad Birdie is THE celebrity of the century, to some at least. There was also Elvis. His female fans are legion. Birdie is so popular that everywhere he goes, he is mobbed by excited, screaming fans. It is no surprise, then, when the girls of Sweet Apple, Ohio find out that Conrad Birdie is coming to their town to say his goodbye to the nation, they go wild! The plan for his farewell appearance: Birdie is to plant a kiss on local girl, and lucky contest winner, Kim McAfee, and that kiss is to be aired live on the Ed Sullivan show. (They even have the CBS eye pasted on the prop cameras onstage.)

Now, needless to say, the men and boys of the town are not as enthralled about all the hype. Jealousy starts rearing its ugly head even before Birdie arrives in town. Birdie has a different kind of problem on his mind, however. For his last night before being drafted into the service, he just wants to go out on his own and do the things “normal” guys do, like hitting the local bars and picking up chicks.

As the story neatly pivots back and forth between all the hullabaloo surrounding Birdie to the rock star’s agent, Albert Peterson, of the publicity company of “Almaelou” (so named for members of the Peterson family), we find that Rose, his secretary of eight years, is really running things. We also see that she is in love with Albert and he loves her too but has been afraid all this time to tell his domineering mother about it. To avoid a confrontation with Mae Peterson, he keeps giving Rose the “I’m not ready yet” line in spite of the fact that he can’t seem to run the business without her.
In our story, Conrad Birdie is the wildly popular singer/personality (just like Elvis). He is going into the Army (ditto for Elvis) and, he’s getting a sensational send-off. Yep, that, too, was an Elvis thing. Although the storyline is a little thin, the acting and choreography more than take up the slack.

Michael Stewart originally wrote the book, “Bye Bye Birdie,” and the music is by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams. The play premiered on Broadway on April 14, 1960 and won four Tony Awards. Made into a movie in 1963, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards and relative newcomer Ann-Margret became an overnight sensation with the film catapulting her into stardom.
The cast offers some really fine portrayals with John Martin and Heather Lee as Harry and Doris MacAfee (Kim’s parents), and 10-year-old Terren Mueller as their son, Randolph. Robert Pieranunzi is believable as Hugo Peabody, the jealous boyfriend and Lana Hartwell is a good choice for the role of domineering mother, Mae Peterson, as she hen-pecks timid son Albert throughout the show. She is perfect in the part — and I mean that in a good way!

Jill Townsend is very good as Kim McAfee and she looks the part. As for the Conrad Birdie character, James Royce Edwards does a fabulously close rendition of the “Elvis, the Pelvis” swivel hips routine, as well as some terrific singing, “One Last Kiss” in particular.

John Bisom IS Albert Peterson — he is so in-sync with the role — but it is Natalie Nucci who is the absolute stunner here. As Rose Alvarez, Albert’s under-appreciated secretary, she not only comes across with some of the better lines, her Shriner’s Ballet is quite simply sensational.

The show also boasts an incredibly talented ensemble cast and their performances were perfection.
Executive Producer James Blackman has again gone the extra mile to give local audiences a quality production. Working with him are Christopher Beyries, serving as Managing Director and Set Designer; Stephanie A. Coltrin as this show’s Artistic Director; Dan Mojica does a great job as the Director/Choreographer; and Alby Potts returns as Musical Director.

“Bye Bye Birdie” plays through Oct. 5 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. (NE corner of Aviation/Manhattan Beach Boulevard) in Redondo Beach. The performances are at 8 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets $45-$60. Call 310-372-4477 or visit www.civiclightopera.com. ER