Walking into the theater, you are immediately faced with a wall of vibrant color that screams, this is going to be one rollicking, fun night of theater… and it certainly was. A huge cast, two dance ensembles, songs still sung today, “Kids” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do”.

A throwback to the 1950s complete with saddle shoes, poodle skirts and crinoline slips, “Bye Bye Birdie” was influenced by teen idol Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army, a devastating blow to his fans across America. 

Based on a book by Michael Stewart and made into a movie in 1963, fictional Elvis, rock and roller Conrad Birdie played by John Drinkwater, classically portrayed with his hips swaying, hair slicked back and clad all in black, hops a train to small-town U.S.A. to meet up for “one last kiss” with a randomly chosen, adoring teenaged girl from his fan club before reporting for duty. The P.R. scheme cooked up by his manager, “Mama’s boy” Albert (Brian Owen) and his flamboyant fiancée Rosie (Sonia Roman), who is dying to finally settle down and get married is almost perfect until Albert’s mother Mae Peterson “dressed to the nines” with jewels and furs and a boisterous personality to match (Bevin Bell-Hall) shows up. 

Kim Macafee (Haley Root), all of 15 years old and newly pinned by her boyfriend Hugo Peabody (Randie Ford), is doing her best to remain in control in light of meeting Birdie, but that doesn’t last long as her knees buckle simply at the sight of him. The fan club takes in the experience fully, singing with Albert “Put on a Happy Face”. 

The Macafee family, Mr. (Allen Lewis Rickman), Mrs. (Deb Radloff) and precocious son Randolph (Jackson Parker Gill), become completely enamored when they’re told they will all be appearing on the sainted “Ed Sullivan Show.” The song “Hymn for a Sunday Evening” was hilarious. 

It’s actually difficult to choose the standout performances, as everyone was so talented and didn’t miss a beat! Roman’s Rosie had a strong voice and danced her numbers beautifully.  
Owen’s Albert was a very convincing mensch and his overbearing mom reminded me of Ethel Merman. Mr. Macafee was just so funny… interacting with his son was a comedic thread throughout. Root’s Kim and Drinkwater’s Conrad both played their roles perfectly as the rocker and the ingenue. 

The costumes, hair and makeup were authentic to the period. The set was so clever, even bringing a train onstage! The giant illuminated backdrop brought a bit of whimsy to the whole production, perfectly chosen as some of the 1950s concepts could be a tad difficult to absorb by today’s standards. 

Argyle Theatre’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie” is a must-see, especially if you’d like to have a healthy dose of fun coupled with an escape this summer to where “Gray skies are gonna’ clear up. Put on a happy face… and spread that sunshine all over the place…”

For more information 
Argyle Theatre 
34 W. Main Street, Babylon, NY
Argyletheatre.com               631-230-3500