Children’s Theatre of Mason Presents Family Favorite “Bye Bye Birdie” October 19-21

Sept. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- MASON, OH – Before High School Musical and Grease, there was Bye Bye Birdie. Winner of eight Tony Awards – including Best Musical – Bye Bye Birdie is presented by the Children’s Theatre of Mason (CTM) on October 19 at 7:00pm, October 20 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, and October 21 at 2:00pm at the Mason High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance, and can be purchased online at www.ChildrensTheatreofMason.com, by email at tickets@ChildrensTheatreofMason.com or by calling 513.398.0116.

Bye Bye Birdie is a fun and energetic musical snapshot of America from a simpler, more honest, and somewhat naïve time in history. Loosely based on the life of Elvis Presley, the story revolves around hit singer and teen heartthrob, Conrad Birdie, as he prepares to enter the Army, temporarily leaving behind his music career and millions of swooning teen fans. As Birdie’s struggling management team, Albert and Rose, try to make the most of this devastating move, they are forced to address the future of their company and their own relationship.

In a final national publicity stunt, Rose and Albert arrange for Birdie to come to the heartland of America and give one lucky teenage girl a “goodbye” kiss live on the Ed Sullivan Show! Stir together a meddling mother, a jealous boyfriend, a star-struck father, an overwhelmed teen girl, a middle-aged mama’s boy, a spurned lover, and a celebrity bad-boy – then add in a generous amount of screaming teenage girls – and you have the perfect recipe for a hilarious, heartwarming musical experience.

“Bye Bye Birdie is the ultimate feel good musical,” said Karen Kilgore, president of Children’s Theatre of Mason. “It’s a show about teenagers, but it appeals to both young and old because of our fascination with pop culture, teen idols and music icons. Lots of laughs and great songs have made this Broadway show one of the most memorable musicals of all time.”

With music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Ohio native Lee Adams, the Broadway production opened in 1960 with an original cast that included Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reilly. Full of nostalgic charm, wit and humor, the legendary score features “Put On A Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’To Do,” “One Last Kiss,” “One Boy,” the riotous lament of parents with teenagers “What’s The Matter With Kids Today?” and the uproarious salute to the greater glory of Ed Sullivan titled “Hymn For A Sunday Evening!” CTM’a production is directed by Dirk Doebereiner.
 
About The Children’s Theatre of Mason
CTM produces two large-scale productions each season, from Cinderella and Willy Wonka Jr. to Seussical the Musical, Aladdin Jr. and other popular favorites. CTM offers children the opportunity to take part onstage as performers and off stage as crew members, set builders, make-up assistants and many other behind-the-scenes roles. To volunteer, donate money or learn more, visit www.ChildrensTheatreofMason.com or call 513.398.0116.