Bye Bye Birdie, CHS style

It had been a while since I attended a musical in a high school. I think the last one was of my cousin Steve in a production of "South Pacific," back in the 70's. So seeing this one last night was a real treat. I knew most of the kids in this production because of my daughter's association with each of them.

In the musical that I had been too their was always a full orchestra. Here, they had a digital keyboard and a trap drum set. It worked though. The pianist was just the best as well as the music teacher, Mr. K.

As the curtain opened squekily (someone needs to add oil to the rods), we are introduced to the lead character Albert Peterson, portrayed by Jameson R. He gives the audience a brief introduction of the story: The setting was in the 1950's and it was about a singer who was entering the army. This is loosely based about when Elvis Presley went into the army.

Rose Alvarez, was portrayed by Alexis T., who sang and danced wonderfully throughout the play. We are then introduced to the chorus of girls who are talking on the phone about Hugo and Kim. Lexi B. (whom I call my other daughter, ;) ) portrayed Ursula. Other ones Melinda S. and Jessi M. (both who were on the tennis team) filled in for the other parts. Their singing was impecable! Their dance moves were well rehearsed.

Then the audience is introduced to the Harry McAfee family. As performed by J-Rod, Mariah M., Karlie M., and introducing seventh grade student Lane V. Harry McAfee exercising his parental rights as a protective father was quite funny! He constantly told his little son "will you shut up?" The audience just roared with laughter and Lane nearly broke his character when he was laughing too at "Harry."

Conrad Birdie appeared on the scence wearing a gold shirt. Portrayed by Brogy G., he was the perfect superstar. Once when waking up he took a swig of 7-up and produced a loud burp. Little kids in the audience laughed loudly. Brogy could act as well as sing and dance.

I was impressed with Randolph McAfee, Harry's young son, as portrayed by Lane V. He had a high voice and could sing on tune. He was perfect for the part.

There was a dance number featuring Alexis T., and most of the guys in the singers. They all wore "fez hats," and watched her as she danced on the table, around the table and under the table.

Mae Peterson, Albert's mother, always worried constantly about him and didn't like Rose. She was portrayed by Jacklynn A. I was just laughing when she dropped to the floor to put her head in the oven.

Other instances that were funny was when the kids were "smoking," and Albert Peterson said something about them not smoking until they were 14. The references to drinking everyone was laughing as well.

The song between Albert Peterson and a "sad" girl was really good. "Put on a Happy Face," as Jameson R., sang and "danced." The sad girl, Bethany S., could really dance. You could tell she was a dance student.

The rest of the chorus and their costumes were awesome. The girls wore poodle skirts and updo 50's hair styles. The guys wearing white t-shirts and slicked back hair. It was a wonderful production put on by the Singers of CHS.

The curtain call came and flowers were thrown. The entire audience were on their feet at the end. Good job Mr. K and Singers. We need more production such as these. Bravo!! Two thumbs up indeed!!