Over the past two months, approximately 73 Faith students have worked hard to prepare for the March 13-15  presentation of this year’s middle school musical, “Bye Bye Birdie”.

“Bye Bye Birdie”, originally adapted by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, tells the story of the most popular teenage heart-throb of the 1950’s, Conrad Birdie. The problem in the show occurs when Conrad gets drafted into the army. The notice impacts many fans’ lives and his record label.

To say farewell to all his fans, he will kiss one of the fans live on the Ed Sullivan Show. The musical’s inspiration came from the phenomenon that Elvis Presley had on people across the United States, and the impact it had on people when he received his draft notice in 1957.

A classic like “Bye Bye Birdie” has many different elements that help bring the show to life, and some elements that help convey the Elvis feel are the costumes, sets, and music.

“We tried to give the show the 1950’s feel, so a lot of skirts and jeans and white collar t-shirts. Also, the pit orchestra is going to have a lot of guitars and drums,” said the director, Mr. Dave Elliott.

The rehearsal schedule varies everyday because “Bye Bye Birdie” is a musical, and the cast must have dance, vocal, and acting rehearsals.

“We run the scenes listed on our schedules depending upon what we need to improve on,” said seventh grader Talina Hajar, who plays the character Rosie in the musical.

Rehearsals last for two hours almost everyday, but each rehearsal differs depending upon what scenes, songs, or dances need improvement.

The experience gained from being a part of the show is different for every student involved.

“It’s really made me think about creating a character, and becoming someone else while I’m in a scene. Figuring out not just words, but actions and feelings I can bring up to show that,” said eighth grader Delaney Sylvester who plays Mrs. Doris MacAfee in the musical.

Everyone involved in the show encourage students to come see the show.

“People should come see the show because it’s really funny, and we have some amazing talent and it’s an amazing production,” said Hajar.

To purchase tickets for the show March 13-15, go to www.showtix4u.com. The March 13 and 14 shows are at 7:00 p.m., and the March 15  closing show will be at 4:00 p.m.

Ticket prices vary due to facts like your age and if you attend faith. Alumni and student tickets cost less than regular children and adults. Tickets prices may increase due to the area you want to sit in the CPAC.

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Bye Bye Birdie Shae Turner