'Bye Bye Birdie' lands on Park stage

• Boyfriend

Kim MacFee (left), played by Lizzie Rossow, tells her boyfriend Hugo Peabody, played by Dorsey Sprouls, that, even though she will be kissed by Conrad Birdie before he goes off to the Army, that he is still her “one special boy” with Lizzy Bunton in the background. Bulletin photo by Judy Spooner
• Conrad

Conrad Birdie, played by Robert Briggs, charms teenage girls in the same manner as Elvis did in the 50s and 60s. Bulletin photo by Judy Spooner

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It’s the “year of the classics,” according to Emily Ball, co-director with Tracy Caponigri, of “Bye Bye Birdie,” the Park High School spring musical.

The musical, first seen on Broadway in 1960 and later made into a movie that debuted in 1963, is a satire on the state of the American family in 1958.

“It’s upbeat, fun and happy,” for the actors and the audience, Ball said last week during rehearsals.

The plot centers around Conrad Birdie, played by Robert Briggs, who closely resembles Elvis Presley, although his name is closer to Conway Twitty, rock and roll singer who crossed into country music.

“It’s fun to get out of your own shoes for a day,” Briggs said. “Conrad is in his own world most of the time.”

Logan Greene plays Albert Peterson, who is trying to cash in on Conrad’s success so he can marry Rosie Alverez, played by Kali Medina.

Technical directors are Daren Hensel and Adam Oster.

The musical, also a Tony winner, will be performed at 7 p.m. April 29, 30 and May 5, 6, and 7. Matinees are set for 1 p.m. May 1 and 8.

Tickets are $6 for adults with reserved seats and $7 at the door. Tickets for students and seniors are $4 reserved and $5 at the door.

To reserve seats, go to parkhighschooltheatre.com or call (651) 768-5706.

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