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The Observer, November 3, 2000 Harkness Chapel Says Bye ByeThe CWRU Musical Theater Group, better known as the Footlighters, is putting on a full production of the musical Bye Bye Birdie this weekend and next at Harkness Chapel. The show has been in preparation for months and the cast is getting anxious to strut their stuff.Bye Bye Birdie is a musical comedy about an Elvis-like singer during the 1950s, Conrad Birdie, who gets drafted into the Army and agrees to sing a song called “One Last Kiss” on national television to one of his fans (Kim Macafee), and to give her “one last kiss” before he goes into the Army. He travels to her home in Sweet Apple, Ohio, where the entire town is ecstatic upon his arrival. Conrad’s manager, Albert Peterson, and Albert’s secretary, Rose Alvarez, are kept busy keeping Conrad out of trouble and rekindling their fizzling romance. Some well-known songs include “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids,” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.” The Footlighters production is directed by Doug Meeson with Eric Michael Gray serving as musical director. Conrad Birdie is played by Jared Sampson, Kim Macafee is played by Christine Herr, Chrissy Solis plays Rose Alvarez and Jeff Marsey plays Albert Peterson. Also featured are Clint Schmidt, Kristi Fretz, Casey Corkin, Beth Jenko and Sean Wedig. Bye Bye Birdie is based on the book by Michael Stewart with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. The cast had a lot to say about this special show. “Jared Sampson will steal your heart with his electrifying melodies and his sensational dance movies,” said Jason Koebler. “I love this show and this cast. Every day I come to rehearsal wondering what I’m going to laugh at next. It’s been an honor to be given the opportunity to work as musical director at this level,” said Gray. “Directing Bye Bye Birdie has definitely been a learning experience for me, as well as the entire cast. We’re just a bunch of kids who get together twice a year and put on a show. It’s a rocky road to travel, but so rewarding. Especially when my grandma shows, it’s all worth it,” said Meeson. |