[NEohioPAL] Berko review: BYE BYE BIRDIE @ Porthouse Theatre
Roy Berko
royberko at yahoo.com
Thu Jul 29 06:31:05 PDT 2010
BYE BYE BIRDIE,’ dated, but still fun at Porthouse
Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
LORAIN COUNTY TIMES--WESTLAKER TIMES--LAKEWOOD NEWS TIMES--OLMSTED-FAIRVIEW
TIMES
--COOLCLEVELAND.COM—
The original Broadway production of ’BYE, BYE BIRDIE,” which is now being staged
at Porthouse Theatre, ran 607 performances and won the Tony for best musical of
1960. It starred Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera and Paul Lynde. The script’s
popular 1963 film featured Van Dyke , Maureen Stapleton, Janet Leigh and Lynde.
The Michael Stewart (book), Charles Strouse (music), Lee Adams (lyrics) traces
the adventures and misdeeds of what happens when a theatrical agent (Albert
Peterson) arranges for his client, rock star (Conrad Birdie), who has been
drafted into the army, to come to Sweetwater, Ohio, to give one last kiss to the
president of his local fan club (Kim McAfee) before he leaves for the service.
Complications set in when Kim's frustrated father ,and her beau (Hugo), place
stumbling blocks in the way of the public relations gimmick. Peterson’s
possessive mother and his longtime girl friend (Rosie), who are in a constant
battle for Peterson’s affection, add to the delight.
Notable songs in the score, which is credited with being the first Broadway
musical to recognize the rock ‘n roll craze, are: “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot
of Livin' to Do,” Talk to Me,” and ”Kids.”
The original production was credited with being “filled with a kind of
affectionate freshness,” and “clever cultural references.” Not any longer. As I
left the theatre two tweens, who had come to the production with their parents,
were overhead saying, “I didn’t understand a lot of things.” No wonder. The
times have changed, the media has changed, attitudes have changed and what might
have been fresh in the 1960s is stale today.
When ‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ opened on Broadway, Ed Sullivan’s variety show was the
king of Sunday night TV, Elvis Presley had been drafted into the army, getting
pinned was the “in” high school relational activity, Mussolini was still known
as the former leader of Italy, and “The Shadow” was on the radio.
In spite of the datedness of the script, the Porthouse production was fun
filled. Director Terri Kent paced the show well. John Crawford’s choreography
was not only clever, but he had talented and enthusiastic dancers who could do
the many synchronized moves with ease and flair. Though, at times, the music
dragged a little, the words could be clearly heard over the muted orchestra. A
wonderful blended quartet was one of the musical highlights.
The cast, with one major exception was excellent. Though she started the show
screaming, Sandra Emerick, settled down and was delightful as Rose Alvarez.
Her song interpretations were excellent and her “Spanish” fire burned brightly.
Nick Koesters, who is noted as one of the area’s best actors, has developed a
wonderful singing voice and style, and though at times he could have hammed it
up a little more, he made an excellent Albert. His “Put on a Happy Face” was
delightful. Cassie Rea, who has a younger Ann Margaret look, has a fine singing
voice and was a sweet Kim. Marc Moritz, was hysterically funny as Mr. MacAfee.
Danny Lindenberger, he of slight body and high pitched voice, was character
right as Hugo. Lissy Gulick was obviously the crowd favorite as the passive
aggressive Mae Peterson.
Unfortunately, Dan Grgic was miscast as Conrad. He didn’t have the attitude,
the body, the steely look, the hip movements, the compelling voice or the
sensuality for the role. Not that he didn’t try, but his Conrad didn’t engender
the needed quality to make girls swoon. He was not helped by wearing poorly
fitting and designed costumes that didn’t’ help the characterization.
CAPSULE JUDGMENT: Porthouse’s ‘BYE BYE BIRDIE,’ though dated, is still fun.
With slightly different casting it could have been even more endearing. And so,
the 42nd season of KSU summer theatre comes to a close.
The show runs until August 8 at Porthouse Theatre, on the grounds of Blossom
Music Center . For tickets call 330-672-3884 or go online to
www.porthousetheatre.com.
New KSU Theatre Building to be dedicated
On Saturday, November 6, Kent State’s new Roe Green Center for the School of
Theatre and Dance will be dedicated. The Terri Kent directed ‘BRIGADOON’ will
be performed.
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through
2010, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at
http://royberko.info
His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to
subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)
More information about the NEohioPAL
mailing list