What happens when a rock star whose pelvic gyrations made him a national sensation gets drafted into the Army and schedules “one last kiss” with a “girl next door” contest winner on live TV? It’s 1957 and the publicity stunt has some residents in a small Ohio town up in arms.
The musical romp inspired by real-life 1950s singing sensation Elvis Presley’s induction into the Unites States Army takes the stage this weekend at Riverhead High School, where the Blue Masques present Bye Bye Birdie.
Bye Bye Birdie centers on fictional rock and roll star Conrad Birdie’s last appearance before Army life. Birdie is scheduled to kiss a girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio — a randomly chosen member of his fan club — and sing “One Last Kiss” live on The Ed Sullivan Show. However, Conrad’s pelvis-thrusting, hip-shaking moves make more than one Sweet Apple resident uncomfortable and they attempt to stop the show from happening.
The original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie won four Tony Awards in 1961, including best musical and best performance by a featured actor (Dick Van Dyke), best direction and best choreography.
Performances on Friday and Saturday are at 7 p.m and on Sunday at 2 in the Charles Cardona Auditorium of Riverhead High School.
Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door for adults and $5 for children and seniors. To order tickets online click here.
For more information call 631- 369-6741.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
