Arts & Entertainment
C.A.S.T Children's Theatre to present Bye Bye Birdie at Manchester High School
Musical celebrates pop culture of the 1950s.
Rock and roll star Conrad Birdie is about to be drafted into the army, leaving behind his young adoring fans. His manager, Albert Petersen, decides to stage a publicity stunt where the teen idol will appear on the Ed Sullivan show and kiss his biggest fan goodbye before his departure.
Now in its 24th year, C.A.S.T Children's Theatre will present the 1960s musical “Bye Bye Birdie,'' August 4, 5 and 6 at the Bailey Auditorium at Manchester High School. The play is set in the 1950s where teenage girls worship an Elvis Presley-type singer, much to the consternation of their parents.
The cast includes Nick Bayer as Albert Peterson, Sara Sica as Rose Alvarez, Sam Nunes as Conrad Birdie, Jenna Vezina as Kim MacAfee and Toni DiPinto as Mama Peterson. The production features nearly 100 young performers age five to 18 years old. Donna Shaffer is the show's musical director.
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Donna Mercier, executive director of C.A.S.T., said the show is like a trip back in time for the performers.
“Its a teaching opportunity for the kids to learn about a time in history they may be unfamiliar with," she said.
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Many of the performers are veteran's of several C.A.S.T. productions. Jenna Vezina, 18, who plays Kim MacAfee, Conrad Birdie's biggest fan, has been a member of C.A.S.T. for 10 years. “I started doing this when I was younger, and I found I really liked being on stage,'' she said. “The experience has helped me to decide that I want to do musical theater when I go to college next year.''
Alyssa Peck, 16, who plays Mrs. MacAfee, has been a C.A.S.T. member for four years. “I really like the music and songs in this show, and this is biggest part I've had so far," said Peck.
Nick Bayer, 17, has had leading roles in C.A.S.T. productions for several seasons. He played Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast,'' and Marcellus in “The Music Man.'' He's been a member of C.A.S.T. for 12 years.
“I enjoy working with the younger kids and seeing how good they are onstage, how much potential they have. I think being in shows like these teach you a lot things, can give you confidence and boost your skills," said Bayer.
C.A.S.T. will present “Bye Bye Birdie,'' at the Bailey Auditorium at Manchester High School Aug. 4 at 1 p.m., Aug 5 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for seniors and children, and $15 for adults. For more information call 860-649- 5062 or go to the website www.casttheatre.org.
