BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

“Bye, Bye Birdie,” the young performers’ edition, will be presented March 6-9 in the auditorium of Springhouse Middle School.

Set in 1958, “Bye, Bye Birdie” follows the story of a talent agent and his girlfriend as they try to save their music company after their star client, Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army.

This musical is based on the Broadway show “Bye Bye Birdie,” which is based upon a book by Michael Stewart, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams.

Ryan Iorio, who plays Albert, and Jacob Aristakesian, who portrays Conrad Birdie, commented on their roles and the musical.

“My role in ‘Bye, Bye Birdie’ is Albert, who is Conrad’s manager,” Iorio said.

He said some or the reasons that he is excited to play Albert is that he is able to work with almost everyone on stage.

“I am also excited for the opportunity to play one of the lead roles in this musical,” Iorio stated. “I really enjoy the theater experience because I am able to act and sing. I also love getting to be on stage with all of my friends while working together to put on a show.”

Aristakesian said his character, Conrad Birdie, is the bad boy in this musical.

“He is always looking for girls and loves attention,” he said. “He is a flirt and cool character who I love playing.”

Aristakesian said he loves being the center of attention and getting all the girls.

“I love Conrad’s personality and have a great time playing him,” he stated. “I love being with my amazingly talented friends a few being Ryan (Albert), Ilan (Rosie), Olivia (Penelope), Caleb (Hugo), and Maya (Helen) who are great at acting and fit their respective parts perfectly.

“I also just love being on stage and learning these songs and dances.

“Overall, I love this show and I love the cast in it.

“We couldn’t have this show without the extremely talented Mrs. Erica Silver, Ms. Jessica Reitnauer, and Ms. Kelsey Binder.”

Maeve Hilton, who plays Kim MacAfee, and Caleb Colabroy-Whitmire, who portrays Hugo, also commented on their roles.

“Kim MacAfee is a 15-year-old girl who loves Conrad Birdie and who just got pinned to Hugo Peabody,” Hilton said. “I like playing my character because I get to sing, act, and dance.”

She enjoys being in this show because she gets to meet so many new people and do something she loves.

“This is an amazing show and I am so glad to be a part of it,” Hilton stated.

Colabroy-Whitmire said he likes being able to dance with his friends in songs and have conversations on stage.

“I like being with everyone on stage,” he stated. “Theater is awesome.”

Maryam Syamsuddin, who plays Alice, discussed her role.

“My role in the show consists of being a part of the composite cast. Alice, the named character I play is a youthful teen who craves for Conrad’s love just like any other teen who obsesses over other celebrities,” Syamsuddin stated. “Although taking part in being an ensemble character may not be as huge as being a lead, there are many amazing opportunities that you can gain such as practicing your creative imagination and character building.”

“Ensemble acting also creates a beautiful symphony of diverse talents which can set the stage of the atmosphere and tone as well as adding depth and complexity to the story.

“Being a part of the Springhouse production shows are always an eye opener to creating new friendships and bonding more toward acting innovations” Syamsuddin said. “When you are in a show, you can feel the beauty of imagination and create an amazing environment for you and others.”

Sophia Lookup and Thalia Levine are part of the show run crew.

“I’m in charge of the costumes and props,” Lookup said. “I have enjoyed learning new skills throughout my stage crew career, including how creative I am and how I pay attention to detail.

“I love to be a part of SMS and being in the play is a great way! I love the community and enjoy doing something I love with my friends.”

Levine said she loves getting to understand and be a part of positioning and strategizing sets for the show.

“It’s always fun to figure out how pieces work together to make a scene happen,” Levine stated. “The community for theater is always very positive and uplifting.

“I’ll have finished moving a big set piece and have a cast member give me a thumbs up.

“Also, when we have to move large sets for run crew, we often work in pairs or teams. It’s an incredibly cool experience to get to work with friends to make a show run.”

Music for the show is directed by Director Erica Silver. Choreographer is Pattie Winn; stage crew manager is Jessica Reitnauer and Theater Club advisor is Kelsey Binder.

“Bye Bye Birdie is loosely based on the media sensation surrounding Elvis Presley being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958,” Silver said. “The show is about teen idol Conrad Birdie visiting a small town in Ohio to give one lucky fan a “last kiss” before leaving for the army.

“It is also about Conrad’s manager Albert Peterson, and his relationship with his secretary Rose and his mother Mrs. Peterson, as they travel to Ohio to support Almaelou Music Corporation’s biggest star.”

Silver explained why she chose this musical.

“I wanted to do a classic musical this year. The original production opened on Broadway in 1960,” Silver stated. “I like that the story is centered around teenagers and their parents and has many different relationships (romantic and familial) for the characters to explore.”

“Bye, Bye Birdie” will be performed at 7 p.m. March 6, 7 and 8; and 2 p.m. March 9; in the middle school’s auditorium, 1200 Springhouse Road, South Whitehall.

Tickets will be available at the door for $7 each. Cash or check only.