Genesius Theatre’s younger set presents ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
The up-and coming talent from Berks County will bring the upbeat “Bye Bye Birdie Young Performers Edition” to Genesius Theatre Feb. 24 to March 5. Talented kids and teens ages 5 to 17 years old from a cross section of Berks, Lehigh Valley and Lancaster County schools present this special adaptation of the four-time Tony Award-winning, including Best Musical of 1961, Broadway Musical. This is a one-hour adaptation, specially tailored for elementary school, middle school and high schoolaged children.
It’s a loving send-up of the 1960s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, “Bye Bye Birdie” remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses all-American girl Kim McAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for kids, and a hilarious script, it remains one of the most popular shows in schools across the country.
Hit songs include “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” “One Boy,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” “Kids!” and “Rosie.”
The Genesius Production features a cast of more than 30 talented kids and teens. the lead cast includes: Rosie Alvarez played by Paulina Cevalos-Veliz, Albert Peterson played by Joshua Klusewitz, Kim MacAfee played by Sarah Lala, Mr. MacAfee played by Andrew Bausher , Mrs. MacAfee played by Andrea Keck, Mae Petersonplayed by Hannah Mogford , Conrad Birdie played by Mikey Grey , Hugo Peabody played by Ben Daniels , Mayor/Mr.Johnson played by Ben Jupina , Randolph MacAfee played by Griffin Jones and Ursula Merkle played by Rebecca Nowicki.
“Bye Bye Birdie Young Performers Edition” is on stage at Genesius Theatre Feb. 24- March 5. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Matinee performances are offered at 3 p.m. on two Sundays, Feb. 26 and March 5. Actual dates are Feb. 24, 25, 26, March 2, 3, 4 and 5. Tickets are $20 Adult and $17.50 Senior and $15, Student. For tickets and more information, visit GenesiusDifference.org. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event. Genesius Theatre is located at 153 North 10th Street, Reading, PA 19601. The show is G-RATED
Genesius Theatre is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater and plenty of parking on the street or in our lower lot. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.