Birdie’s the word at foot-tapping Nayland musical
Nayland College started work on Bye Bye Birdie in December last year and extensive preparation is evident in their exuberant and engaging presentation of this popular musical.
First produced in 1960 and inspired by the conscription of Elvis Presley and the hysteria which surrounded his departure, it is unashamedly escapist with an amusing script and a lively score, ideally suited to a young cast.
The music is a strength of this production. All leads sang confidently, ably accompanied by an assured orchestra directed and conducted by Nigel Weeks.
Ruby-Ann Burgess plays Rosie and has a mature voice, powerful delivery as well as a strong stage presence.
An escapist musical requires comedy as well as the requisite heartache and this is supplied by an hilarious performance by Indigo Levett as Mae Peterson and a cameo by Tacy Eyles as the tapdancing Gloria Rasputin, supported by a young and enthusiastic chorus (take a bow Howard Johnson).
Levett has an excellent sense of comic timing and delivery and she was warmly acknowledged by the audience. The male leads are also strong, Fynn Sawyer as ‘‘mommy’s boy’’ Albert Peterson and Harry Stocker, the caddish Conrad Birdie.
A school production is as much about process as product-and this cast are clearly enjoying themselves and entertaining their audience. They can feel proud of their effort and what they have achieved.