“Bye Bye Birdie,” originally titled “Let’s Go Steady,” is a popular musical that satirizes the 1950s and early 1960s teen idol culture and the music industry. This story follows a pop singer who travels to Ohio to say goodbye to his fans after being drafted into the army. His biggest fan wins the chance to kiss him farewell, but a series of comical obstacles prevent the moment each time. The 5th Avenue Theatre offers a fresh twist to this candy-coated classic.
Never-before-seen on The 5th Avenue Theatre stage, “Bye Bye Birdie” is one of the biggest, danciest, and funniest musicals to ever hit the 5th’s platform.
Before the musical begins, first-timers are introduced to a beautiful theatre, but that ambiance often gets overlooked by the stunning productions.
The production felt like a movie come to life, with the title displayed in big, bold letters and beautiful lights, along with the orchestra spotlight. The lights seemed to hypnotize the audience, drawing them in before the show even began.
The story opens at the Al-Mae-Lou music company and quickly finds its rhythm through the dialogue between Albert Peterson and Rosie Alvarez. From the first notes, the music, costumes, and set transport viewers to another era.
Photo Credit: Tracy Martin. Courtesy of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
The dancing throughout the show was well-choreographed and coordinated. Though all songs in the production were well done, two songs that deserve an extra round of applause are “How Lovely to Be a Woman,” performed by Kim MacAfee, and “Spanish Rose,” performed by Rosie. The vocals and energy brought by Kim MacAfee, played by Susanna Ballenski, and Rosie Alvarez, played by Ashley Perez Flanagan, were exceptional. The girls brought in a fun element with a twist of cute, comical snippets added to the songs.
The set pieces came on and off with the utmost smoothness–a signature of the 5th Ave Theatre. As new elements appeared on stage, the space felt infinite, leaving the audience curious about what surprise might come next.
Photo Credit: Tracy Martin. Courtesy of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
The casting was impeccable. For the regular 5th Ave audience, it was a delight to see many familiar faces from past productions, such as Mary Poppins and Waitress. One standout was Liam Kuriatnyk, who played Randolph MacAfee, and did a fantabulous job in Mary Poppins–and now, in Bye Bye Birdie. The platform the 5th Ave has provided this young man is well-deserved, as the talent he seems to possess knows no limits. He adds a cute flair to all of his characters, whether Randolph MacAfee or Michael Banks.
The production ends with an adorable moment between Albert Peterson and Rosie Alvarez that leaves the audience in awe–and “aww.” The musical gave the audience exactly what they wanted in terms of the plot, conveying the story of the star who had to be drafted, the true love story of his fan, and–best of all–the long-awaited union of the loving couple. Of course, the cast and crew received a well-deserved standing ovation.
Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka. Courtesy of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Watching this production is sure to leave audiences humming the soundtrack, fangirling over Conrad Birdie, or simply stunned by the caliber of the 5th Ave’s work, or all of the above.
The 5th Ave Theatre has done it again. Was this the best show yet? Or are they simply in the habit of outdoing themselves every time?
Author
Vrindha, an international student from India, is fueled by her fervent love for diverse art forms such as dance, drama, music and theatre. Eager to immerse herself in new experiences and broaden her horizons, she sees her involvement with the Collegian as a gateway to both sharing her passions and delving into new realms of knowledge.
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