Shaler Area High School Musical 'Bye Bye Birdie' Preview

None — GLENSHAW, Pa

- The story of "Bye Bye Birdie" is a rather popular production for high schools across the country.

Perhaps it's the fact that many of the characters in the story are high school students themselves, or it could be because of the upbeat songs and many musical numbers requiring the entire cast to be involved. Whatever the reason, this show should leave the audience filled with nostalgia for the 1950's and the urge to get up and do the "mashed potato."

First time Director, Kristin Demsey, decided to choose this production as her first production at Shaler Area High School because she knew the students could handle such an energetic show. "We have a large cast and I liked the idea of getting everyone involved in as many numbers as possible," she said.

The story of "Bye Bye Birdie" begins in New York City with songwriter and music executive Albert Peterson, played by senior Kyle Yoho and his secretary/love interest Rose Alvarez, played by sophomore Nikki Davis. The pair work at a record company called "Almaelou," a company with only one client Conrad Birdie, played by senior Drew Palajsa. This Elvis Presley persona is a national phenomenon and is just enough to keep "Almaelou" alive, until… Birdie is drafted into the Army.

The news of his departure into war sets teenage fans into hysteria all across the country. Prior to heading off to war, the show is taken to Sweet Apple, Ohio where teen Kim MacAfee, played by senior Chelsea Mazzotta, lives with her parents and younger brother. Chosen as the "female to represent all females," Kim must give Birdie "One Last Kiss" on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The news of Conrad Birdie's arrival into Sweet Apple sets the town into hysteria and sets Kim's new boyfriend Hugo, played by Junior Ray Alvarado into a fit of jealousy.

From here, the show takes off with several, high energy musical numbers such as "Telephone Hour," "Honestly Sincere" and "A lot of Livin." Laced with humor and a lot of dancing, this show is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Shaler Area High School's musical production of "Bye Bye Birdie" opens March 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Shaler Area High School Auditorium. The show continues March 6th, 12th-13th at 7:00 p.m. with a Sunday matinee scheduled for March 7th at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for reserved seating, $7 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more ticket information call: 412-492-1200 ext. 1530.

Preview written by WPXI freelancer, Shannon Peluso. She can be reached at speluso@wpxi.com

The cast list is as follows Albert Peterson - Kyle Yoho Rose Alvarez - Nikki Davis Conrad Birdie - Drew Palajsa Kim MacAfee - Chelsea Mazzotta Mr. Harry MacAfee - Ricky Skertich Mrs. Doris MacAfee - Liz Russo Mrs. Mae Peterson - Tess DeStefano Hugo - Ray Alvarado Randolph MacAfee - Laura Zagorski Mrs. Merkle - Abbey Brown Gloria Rasputin - Autumn Vogel Mayor - Steven Justus Mayor's Wife - Allison Shaffer Harvey Johnson - Collin Ziegler Mr. Johnson - RJ Ollio Charles Maude - Gregory Kompare Sad Girl #1 - Nina Ciccotelli Sad Girl #2 - Laura Zagorski Ursula Merkle - Kassie Miller Nancy - Megan Wall Helen - Jackie Worst Alice - Christine Sinkovich Margie Ann - Maureen Nalepa Deborah Sue - Katie Leonard Penelope Ann - Erica Sanders Suzie - Allyson Leahy Patty - Brittany Ericson Beth Ann - Patty Camarda Betty - Haley Wills Karl - Corey Ziegler

Featured Dancers Amanda Demsey, Autumn Vogel, Casey Funtal, Kaitlyn Mammy, Katie Leonard, Kelly Gallagher, Laura Zagorski, Nina Ciccotelli,

Ensemble Dancers Katie Rees, Amy Langhorst, Kelsey Coyle, Erin McGrady, Greg Kompare, Karena Bender, Katrina Gualtieri, Julia Cicchinelli

Ensemble Kayla Radia, James Madden, Kaitlyn Sharp, Jacklyn Keller, Derek Meeder, Emily Platania, Rachel Portman, Maegyn Ostrowski, Sara Sanders, Indigo Baloch, Alora D'Andrea, Madi Irvin, Emily Pirt, Samantha Gavin, Jordan Manuel, Idie Shoop, Heathery Ivanoff, Mallorey Stack, Chelsea Liest, Jolyn Jones, Tiffany Steinmetz,

WPXI