By ROGER SMITH
Star Beacon
ASHTABULA —
There is no lack of laughs in Straw Hat Theatre’s current production, “Bye Bye Birdie,” scheduled to run through July 31 in the tent on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center.
This satire, set in 1958, capitalized on the drafting of Elvis into the U.S. Army that same year. The teenage world was turned upside-down by the thought of ‘The King’ not being able to sing and swivel on stage for the two years he served his country in uniform.
“Bye Bye Birdie” tells the story of the Sweet Apple, Ohio, Conrad Birdie Official Fan Club, and how one of its members would be used to promote One Last Kiss, a final song before Conrad Birdie — teen idol — traded civilian life for military basic training.
There are many excellent things about this musical offering, but the one that comes right out of the blue and makes everyone take notice is the voice of Zachary Adkins, who sings and gyrates the role of Conrad Birdie. This young man brought down the house with his vocal and dance talents. Another show-stopper was MaryAnn Kline, portraying Mae Peterson, a mother who stereotypically played her ‘guilt’ card every time she wanted her son to accede to her wishes.
Julia Hines, as Kim MacAfee, the one selected to receive Conrad’s last kiss before entering the service, was very ably the innocent, wide-eyed young lass torn between the home-grown boy next door and the nation’s teen idol. Not to be outdone, Hines entertained with her vocal offerings that were strong and clear, and diction that made her easy to understand.
On the slightly older side of the 1958 coin were Albert Peterson and Rose Alverez, played by Arian Pal and Heather Helms, respectively. Theirs was the story of a relationship that tried to blossom for eight or so years, but interference from Albert’s mother and Albert’s dream of making it big as a record agent kept the couple apart all that time. This pair of actors complemented each other nicely, and they very solidly entertained the audience with their songs as well as seasoned stage presence.
Mike Hlebik and Maureen Tanner were cast in the roles of Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee, and as Kim’s parents they had the headaches and frustration down to the smallest detail.
Other cast members in this show were very good, each staying in character throughout the evening. They all seemed confident of their roles, but more importantly gave the impression that they enjoyed doing what they were doing.
The Straw Hat stage itself was transformed by the harlequin design of pastel colors that livened up the theater. That brightness of color transferred itself to the choreography of the show’s director, Kim Godfrey. Additionally, the music under the direction of Neil Meloro was very good, and did what it should have done — it supported the actors without taking center stage.
This show is fun, entertaining, and it reminds us of how even today we can be manipulated by marketing tactics. Spoof? Satire? Making fun? Pick one! “Bye Bye Birdie” is sure to entertain. Tickets may be reserved by phoning the Arts Center box office at 964-3396.
