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Sterling College Theatre brings classic musical Bye Bye Birdie to the stage
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The cast of BYE BYE BIRDIE strike a pose at the end of the number “Sincere” in rehearsal last week while choreographer Travis Nesbitt (standing) and music director Marisa Callan (at keyboard) look on. Conrad Birdie (center with arm up) is played by Sterling senior Caleb Brownlee. The show will be presented October 17-19 as part of Sterling College’s Homecoming festivities.

Sterling College Theatre will present the beloved Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 in Culbertson Auditorium. Packed with 1950s charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and songs like “Put On a Happy Face,” “Kids,” and “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” the show promises fun for the whole family.

Since its Broadway debut in 1960, Bye Bye Birdie has remained one of America’s favorite musicals. With music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams, the Tony Award-winning hit playfully satirizes the teenage craze for rock stars, while celebrating family, small-town life, and the excitement of youth.

The story follows rock idol Conrad Birdie, who, much like Elvis Presley, is drafted into the Army at the height of his fame. Before leaving, he agrees to give a farewell kiss to an adoring fan chosen from the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio—a publicity stunt that throws the town, and the MacAfee family, into chaos.

Four Sterling College seniors lead the cast. Noah Svaty stars as Albert Peterson, the hapless songwriter trying to save his career, with Mary Little as his determined secretary and sweetheart, Rose Alvarez. Morgan Pellegrino plays Kim MacAfee, the lucky fan chosen for Conrad’s farewell kiss, while Caleb Brownlee takes the stage as the rock ’n’ roll superstar himself. They are joined by a supporting cast of 34, including Sterling College students and area grade school and junior high performers, who bring Sweet Apple, Ohio, to life with energy and humor.

“Bye Bye Birdie is playful and satirical, but it also has warmth and nostalgia,” said director Lesa Brown. “These seniors are ready to lead the cast in bringing the energy and fun of this classic musical to life.”

Performances will take place in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and are available online at sterling.edu/arts and will be available at the door before each performance.