Grey skies sure did clear up and we all put on a happy face after Notre Dame Prep presented their production of “Bye Bye Birdie” with a score by Charles Strouse (music) and Lee Adams (lyrics), and a book by Michael Stewart. With unique characters, colorful scenery and toe-tapping musical numbers, the performers at Notre Dame Prep put on a wonderful performance the left the audience in awe.

“Bye Bye Birdie” tells the story of Albert Peterson (Grant Epple), agent/songwriter, and his scheme to have Conrad Birdie (John Endres), his top selling rock-n’-roll artist, give one last kiss to a member of his fan club, as Conrad is being drafted into the Army. Along for the ride is Albert’s secretary and love interest, Rose Alverez (Nicoletta Minutella), who makes Albert promise to quit his job as an agent and become the English teacher he’s always wanted to be, along with her as his wife. The plan seems well and all until the winner chosen, Kim MacAfee (Jill Bateman), has promised to go steady with her current boyfriend. Their courtship immediately goes out the window when Conrad arrives in Sweet Apple and swoons the heart of not only Kim, but also the entire female population.

The portrayals of the various characters on stage gave great atmosphere and perfectly expressed the period and values at that time in American history, especially those of the leading roles. Grant Epple, playing Albert Peterson, fleshed out his performance well, bringing good comedic timing when needed. Epple’s voice gave Albert the nervousness needed to successfully portray the character. Nicoletta Minutella, playing Rose “Rosie” Alverez, created great stability for her character and was a gem onstage. Minutella’s voice was graceful, allowing for the audience to hear her perfectly.

The supporting roles of the cast worked wonderfully and were true highlights of the production. John Endres, who played Conrad Birdie, was fantastic. His hip thrust and vocal decisions really personified Elvis Presley, which amused the audience greatly. Jill Bateman, as Kim MacAfee, was delightful. She successfully made her presence onstage and nailed every moment, whether it be harmonic or comedic.

The technical aspects of the show were creatively and seamlessly executed. The sets, designed by Meredith Egan and the Design-Build Engineering Class, worked perfectly for the playing area. Three sets of staircases and two tall platforms, all colorfully painted, allowed for the piece to move fluidly and gave great levels throughout. The lighting, also designed by Meredith Egan, accented and highlighted the actors wonderfully. The use of a cyc wall and cyc lights permitted color to be thrown about the stage, giving the hip and fun feel that the show encompasses.

Through its memorable characters, stunning set and lighting design, along with the fantastic voices of the cast, Notre Dame Prep’s production successfully told the satirical story of America’s love for Conrad Birdie. It was a true gem of live comedic musical theatre.

by Miles Lawlor of Patapsco