Palm Springs, Calif., (May 17, 2024) – Set in the 1950s, this story is reminiscent of the King of Rock. A songwriter finds himself in trouble when his only client, Conrad Birdie, the rock and roll teen heartthrob he writes for, is drafted into the Army. As a publicity stunt to record and sell one more hit record before he is sent overseas, a televised farewell is planned with Birdie set to kiss a preselected All-American girl.
Palm Canyon Theatre’s Bye Bye Birdie features Jonathan Brett as Albert Peterson, Dani Jara Lesaca as Rose “Rosie” Alvarez, Joshua Rach as Conrad Birdie, and introducing local student, Jackie Padgett, as Kim MacAfee. This fantastic cast also includes JoBeth Henry as Mae Peterson, Jackson Enzler as Hugo Peabody, Sanai Wright as Ursula Merkle, Tim Steele as Harry MacAfee, Michele Davis as Doris MacAfee, Desmond Seiders as Randolph MacAfee, and Jessica Lenz as Gloria Rasputin. Twenty additional local actors round out the rest of the dynamic ensemble players.
Bye Bye Birdie is Directed by Derik Shopinski, with Music Direction by Chuck Peery, and Choreography by Se Layne. Set and Lighting Design by J.W. Layne and Projections by Nick Edwards. The book is written by Michael Stewart, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. The original 1960–1961 Broadway production was a Tony Award–winning success. It spawned a London production and several major revivals, a sequel, a 1963 film, and a 1995 television production.
Bye Bye Birdie runs at Palm Canyon Theatre July 5 – 14. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $38 for adults; $34 for seniors; $17 for students. Group discounts are available. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or other information, call the PCT box office at 760-323-5123 or order online at palmcanyontheatre.org. Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
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About Palm Canyon Theatre:
Palm Canyon Theatre is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the education of live stage production and the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. The regional repertory theatre company operates primarily with volunteers and produces about 13 Broadway musicals and classic plays each year, plus offers a children’s theatre summer camp and production. The theatre first opened its doors in 1997 when Dr. William “Bill” Layne and his family renovated the historic Frances S. Stevens School building, located at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road in Palm Springs, Calif.
