Kicking off the Sooner Theatre’s 2009-2010 “Sooner Stage Presents” season Friday night was its production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” Michael Stewart’s Tony Award-winning musical satirizing American life in the 1950s.
Director Brandon Adams does a faithful service to Stewart’s original story of adolescence and love, with each component of the production coalescing seamlessly into an engaging whole.
Both Adams and the acting team rely on strong performances to make effective use of a generally modest set design, and the varied and colorful costume design affords the production a greater authenticity.
Sophomore Carl Culley takes on the titular role of widely-coveted music icon Conrad Birdie, combining vain sex appeal with a subtle layer of meatheadedness to aptly portray the Elvis Presley-inspired character.
Kim MacAfee, who is to be the lucky recipient of Conrad Birdie’s farewell kiss before being drafted into the army, is portrayed with endearment and a youthful maturity by Norman High junior Caitlin Royse.
It is Norman thespian Emily Ward, however, who through use of raw vocal prowess and an understated acting talent commands the show’s standout performance as the likeable Rose Alvarez, a woman seeking love from music agent Albert Peterson (played by OU graduate student Paul Mitchell).
The production would undoubtedly suffer a lack of heart without its collective ensemble of secondary teen actors, who perpetually verify the magnetism of Culley’s Conrad by showering the character with fervent jubilation and adoration, and audiences would be remiss to overlook Norman North sophomore MacKay Whalen’s irresistibly animated turn as Ursula Merkle.
Musical director Keith Adams reminds audiences of why “Birdie” has been a Broadway favorite since its earliest days, with light, always-lively instrumentals, as well as the popular numbers immortalized by the musical. Royse warrants audience empathy with “How Lovely to be a Woman,” and Mitchell delivers an enlivened and charming “Put on a Happy Face,” complete with Fred Astaire-worthy choreography.
Continuing its run this Thursday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 19, Sooner Theatre’s “Bye Bye Birdie” proves itself to be a pleasurable experience, ensuring that audience members will be humming “We Love You, Conrad!” for days after leaving Main Street’s iconic theatre.
Lunden England is a film and video studies senior.
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SoonerTheatre 2 years, 8 months ago
Just wanted to let everyone know that Thursday night, September 17 is STUDENT NIGHT at The Sooner Theatre! Students who bring their valid college or high school ID to the box office will get 2-for-1 tickets to that evening's performance of "Bye Bye Birdie". Regular ticket prices are $30-Star Circle and $25-Main Floor. To reserve tickets, please come by The Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. in downtown Norman (just east of the train tracks on Main St.) Questions? Call (405)321-9600 Thanks!