Flash Of The Past
Falconer High School To Present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ This Week
FALCONER — The era of greased hair, poodle skirts and early rock ‘n roll is coming to Falconer’s Jr.-Sr. high school auditorium this weekend, with three performances of “Bye Bye Birdie” scheduled.
The school will present its production of the popular stage musical, which originally appeared on Broadway in 1960, in 7:30 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, along with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee.
“You won’t want to miss the antics of this talented ensemble as they take you back in time,” said Helen Merrill, artistic director. “I saw some glimmers of what is shaping up to be a very good show at (Tuesday’s) rehearsal, and we’ve got some very strong vocalists this year. These kids have some great voices, and are doing well with them.”
“Bye Bye Birdie” is the story of rock star Conrad Birdie and his visit to Sweet Apple, Ohio. Alpert Peterson, Birdie’s agent and songwriter, and his secretary Rosie Alvarez devise a plan to save Peterson’s failing record business, “Almalou.” Peterson will write a song, and a fan from Sweet Apple will be selected to receive “one last kiss” from Birdie before he leaves for the army. Kim MacAfee is selected and the plot thickens from there.
Merrill drew comparisons between the fictional Sweet Apple and Falconer in that it is a “small town where everyone knows and cares for everyone.” She said the cast members also took in a bit of history in preparing for their respective roles.
“I think they learned a lot about the ’50s,” she said. “We discussed a lot about the times, fashion and food, and what life was like back then. So they got a little better handling on how things have changed through the years.”
The following students will be appearing on stage throughout the production: Matt Gulotti, Andrew Young, Katie Jaroszynski, Hannah Wallace, Lizzie Wallace, Nick Pawlak, Hannah Binkley, Spencer Bartista, Jacob Thierfeldt, Haley Pierce, Beth Brown, Tesika Kilmer, Olivia Booth, Chelsey Vincent, Allisen DeJesus, Erica Binkley, Eliza Schrantz, Mikaela LeBarton, Emily Brentley, Jackson Fowler, Kaylee Vincent, Benjamin Smith, Hunter Gruber, Tyler Smith and Brittany McElwain.
Tickets to “Bye Bye Birdie” at Falconer Central School are $8, and can be purchased at the Falconer High School security office or at the door.