Baylor Theatre to Present 'Bye Bye Birdie'

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Baylor University's theatre arts department will present the American musical, "Bye Bye Birdie," at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-23 and March 1, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 1-2, in Jones Theater at the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center.

The award-winning musical is based on the book by Michael Stewart, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. The musical includes the well-known and upbeat Broadway songs "Kids" and "Put on a Happy Face."

The story takes place in 1958, when rock-and-roll heartthrob Conrad Birdie is drafted into the army at the height of his musical popularity. His agent creates a publicity stunt in which fans compete to win Conrad's last kiss as a civilian on an Ed Sullivan-type TV show. His loyal fans go wild and fun ensues as one lucky fan from Sweet Apple, Ohio, wins the contest.

Director Lisa Denman said that the musical is the epitome of feel-good entertainment.

"Audiences will immediately be transported back to a more innocent time when rock and roll was young and Ed Sullivan was the reigning king of television. The energy is infectious and this wonderful cast will dance their way into your hearts," she said.

Patrick Matzig will star as Albert Peterson, Kara Killmer as Kim Macafee, and Clayton Ellis will star as Conrad Birdie.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students, faculty and staff with a Baylor ID. There are a limited number remaining, and they are available at the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center box office and online at www.baylor.edu/theatre.

For more information, contact the box office at (254) 710-1865 or visit the Baylor theatre web site.