Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Spin the record back to 1958 and relive a time when poodle skirts rocked and going steady was big news. Etobicoke Musical Productions is thrilled to bring back to the stage the four-time TONY® award -winning
smash hit BYE, BYE BIRDIE.
Watch generations collide in this full-scale, high-energy production that’s part concert, part love story and pure entertainment. It tells the tale of the original pop-star heartthrob, Conrad Birdie, as he storms the small-town of Sweet Apple, leaving a trail of hysterical teenage girls and over-jealous teenage boys in his hip-swinging path. Birdie, played by Brad Dicks, must perform one last publicity stunt just days before he enlists in the army! His agent Albert, played by Ryan Jeffrey, and Albert’s long-time girlfriend Rosie, played by Paula Gonsalves, have cooked up a plan where he must kiss one lucky fan as a sweet farewell live on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. Add into the mix Rosie’s own desire for a ring, Albert’s over-the-top loving mama Mae and the appalled adults of Sweet Apple and you have a side-splitting, teeny bopping, whirl of an adventure that’ll leave you buzzing for days!
“It’s amazing how this show written over 50 years ago is still so relevant to our society today, especially when looking at the teenage obsession with pop culture”, says director Michael Rubinstein. “This fanatic behaviour over Conrad Birdie is like the original Bieber-fever and it’s going to be so much fun recreating that mania onstage!”
With a cast of twenty-eight, including a swarm of local teenagers, this production showcases some veteran EMP performers, as well as ones who are brand new to the stage. “This is what makes EMP special,” says producer Jane MacFarlane, “every show is so unique in who is required in the cast, and the young, local talent in Etobicoke never ceases to amaze me. This show is so well-cast and it’s coming to life so fantastically.”
With the sharp musical direction of Mark Patterson and momentous movements of choreographer Ashley Lawniczak, the classic numbers like “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids” and “Telephone Hour” will lift your spirits and send you on a high-energy trip you won’t soon forget.
Don’t miss the train to Sweet Apple! BYE, BYE BIRDIE runs at the Burnhamthorpe Adult Learning Centre Auditorium, 500 The East Mall on Nov 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 at 8pm and matinees Nov 17, 24, 30 at 2pm. Tickets are $28 and available at E-M-P.ca or over the phone at 416 248 0410. Plus we have group discounts and a partnership with eyeGo.org for $5 student tickets. Visit our website or call the box office for more details.
Etobicoke Musical Productions is a not-for-profit, registered charity, offering professional quality theatre to the local West Toronto area at an affordable cost. EMP strives to raise interest and participation in theatrical arts in the community and to offer a stage to showcase our best local talent. www.e-m-p.ca
Photo: Scene from Bye, Bye Birdie.
2013-10-30
Toronto: Etobicoke Musical Productions presents "Bye, Bye Birdie" November 15-30