Torrington students present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

TORRINGTON — Torrington Public School Theatre and the Torrington Middle School Drama Club will present the classic musical “Bye Bye Birdie — Young Performers Edition,” March 21-23 at the Torrington Middle School auditorium. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

“Bye Bye Birdie” tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a 1960’s rock n roll superstar played by 7th-grader Cebastian Sontolongo, who has just been drafted into the U.S. Army. His producer, Albert J. Peterson,played by 8th grader James Butler, with help from his secretary, Rose Alvarez, played by 7th-grader Abby Foulds, plan to write the soon-to-be hit song “One Last Kiss” and have Conrad kiss one of his loyal fans good-bye on national television before he leaves for basic training.

The success of “One Last Kiss” will carry Albert and his company through the economic disaster of having their biggest star drafted, and allow Albert to return to school to become an English teacher and marry Rose.

The fan chosen to be kissed Kim MacAffee, played by 7th-grader Sofia D’addona, of Sweet Apple, OH. Kim and her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody, played by 7th- grader Patrick Minnerly, just got “pinned” and Hugo is not happy about Conrad kissing his steady girl.

Albert’s mother, Mrs. Peterson, played by 7thgrader Caroline Sienkiewicz is not happy about her son’s plan to dissolve their music producing company or his relationship with Rosie.

The fans are not happy because Conrad is going into the army.

As everyone prepares to see Conrad Birdie sing “One Last Kiss” and kiss his Number 1 fan goodbye on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” machinations are in place to interrupt the kiss and interfere in Albert’s future plans with Rose. Conrad’s rendition of “One Last Kiss” is a hit - literally. Rose leaves Albert, singing “What Did I Ever See in Him?” The kids run away because they have “A Lotta Livin’ To Do”, and the adults express their frustration in the song “Kids,” led by 8th grader Launa Cook playing Mrs. MacAffee, and 7th grader Matt Hatayk playing Mr. MacAffee. How will all this end? Come and see this family-friendly show that is appropriate for all audiences. The show is about 2 hours including intermission.

The show is directed by Veronica Gelormino with musical direction by Andrew Skinner, both teachers at Torrington Middle School. Teachers Paul DiPasquale, Tara Minnerly, James Springer and Danielle Valunas assisted with directing, properties, set, and costumes.

THS senior Aubrie Dell’Agnese choreographed the production with assistance from 8th grader Annabel Fuller. Eighth grader Maria Fragione took charge of the sound for this production. TMS Drama Club alumni from both THS and Oliver Wolcott Tech stepped up to make this production special.

Tickets are $5 for students/ children and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door. For more information, contact vgelormino@torrington.org.

The next Torrington Public Schools Theatre production will be the THS Student Theatre presenting “Oklahoma!” May 2, 3 and 4.

Contributed photos Above, Torrington High School student cast members Kim (Sofia Dadonna) and her friends, Frejya Harrel, Leah Fosbrok, Brenna Johnson, Elise Petro, Klaudia Roman and Emma Richard, console Hugo (Patrick Minnerly), during rehearsal for “Bye Bye Birdie.” The show opens March 21 at the Little Theatre at the high school.

Above, Caroline Sienkiewicz and James Butler in a scene from the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.”