The more things change…
Bye Bye Birdie was written and produced on Broadway over fifty years ago. It’s a lighthearted look at the intricate world of the teen… during that time of course. To set the scene, we were coming out of the Great War, American confidence was high, and many people were pretty sure it was the best time to be alive in America. Bring on the Baby Boom!
The kids of Sweet Apple High are the very first generation to reap the benefits of this revitalized American spirit. They are confident that the American Dream is easily theirs for the taking. Boys and girls in high school go steady and prepare to claim their little piece of heaven… Until Conrad Birdie comes to town and sends Sweet Apple into upheaval! Parents are chasing after their fainting children and asking themselves “what’s the matter with kids today.” Sound familiar?
The elder generation is always trying to figure out what is going on in the heads of the younger. Where do these pop icons come from and what are they doing?!?!? What draws kids to One Jason Derulo or Demi Lovato or Bruno Mars (these names are direct quotes from rehearsal. And I have no idea who Demi Lovato even is!)
And it is not with the dawn of the iPhone that gossip began to spread like wildfire. Kim and Hugo’s seemingly impending nuptuals render the Sweet Apple switchboard inoperative – fifty years before facetime! But in the end, everyone remembers the “one boy” (or girl) who makes them happy and realizes that the American Dream isn’t necessarily bathed in the glow of the spotlight, or wrapped up in Mama's expectations.
Bye Bye Birdie is a timeless, cheery reminder that even with the allure of success and fame that there are few things more important than remaining true to oneself and those they love.
A special thanks to Amanda, Rocco, Don and the team at BGCG. And another even bigger thank you to our parent volunteers. And to you in the audience for supporting the arts. It has been a pleasure getting to know your kids.
Enjoy the performance!
-Greg Cicchino
