'Bye Bye Birdie' a funny musical

The musical “Bye Bye Birdie” opened last weekend at Fallbrook’s Mission Theatre. This funny, musical show is directed and choreographed by Rose and Steven Schroeder, a husband and wife team. Karen Fabela is producer. Live music includes Becky Brooks on piano, Caley Rigga on drums, and Church Kahla on bass.

A large cast of 52 talented young actors helps keep the action lively. “Bye Bye Birdie,” a captivating musical show, tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, is played by Mission Theatre veteran and Fallbrook High School student Devin Welsh. Albert Peterson, his agent, played by Wade Munson, is a very pleasant, mild-mannered young man. Albert’s faithful secretary, Rose Alvarez, played by MiraCosta student and Fallbrook High School graduate Stephanie Fry, keeps Albert and Birdie in the forefront by orchestrating one final publicity stunt before Conrad’s induction. Other cast members include Emily Sperling as Mae Peterson, Mark Larson as Hugo, Juliana Caso as Doris MacAfee, Forrest Whitfield as Harry MacAfee, Chris Brooks as Randolph, and Heather McCook as Ursala.

Conrad will bid a final goodbye to a typical American teen by giving her an all-American kiss. Kim MacAfee, played by Jamie McClellan, is chosen for this honor. The arrival of Conrad Birdie causes people of all ages to swoon. It is finally decided that Birdie will give his “One Last Kiss” on the Ed Sullivan Show.

“Bye Bye Birdie” is full of lively songs and fast-paced action. It gives an insight into the everyday life that is very much a part of all of us. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser and will be enjoyed by all. Come on down and enjoy the show!

“Bye Bye Birdie,” presented by the Fallbrook Players Junior Conservatory, will run for the next two weekends, on March 4 and 5 and March 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Saturday matinees will be at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the Mission Theatre box office.