Bringing Birdie Back
By Frank DiLella
28 Sep 2009
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Bye Bye Birdie's Gina Gershon and John Stamos
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| photo by Joan Marcus | Bye Bye Birdie, the musical that gently introduced rock 'n' roll to Broadway, returns to NYC after 48 years.
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Like apple pie à la mode complementing fireworks on a Fourth of July night, when it comes to musical theatre, nothing screams Americana more than the 1960s rock 'n' roll tuner Bye Bye Birdie. And for the first time since its debut almost 50 years ago, Birdie is returning to Broadway, compliments of the Roundabout Theatre Company. The show, now at the newly refurbished Henry Miller's Theatre, boasts an eclectic lineup of stars ranging from theatre vet Bill Irwin to small screen hunk John Stamos.
With Charles Strouse and Lee Adams' show-stopping score, featuring the memorable "Put on a Happy Face," this production is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom. Last represented on Broadway with the 2002 revival of Flower Drum Song, Longbottom says he is looking forward to reintroducing New York theatre audiences to this timeless musical treasure.
"I think it was a great musical of that era which we refer to as 'golden.' Everybody seems to have been a part of Bye Bye Birdie at some point in their life," says Longbottom. "Gower Champion [the show's original director–choreographer] won two Tony Awards, which fascinates me. What was the alchemy that resulted in a director having that kind of success at something that is so seamless and so tailored for their talents and their insights? I'm drawn to those shows the most, and the challenge of what I might be able to do with it."
Even though Longbottom is following in the footsteps of Champion, he makes it very clear that this Birdie is going to be brand new.
"It was important to me to breathe fresh life into this as a whole. It's a choice you make." He asks, "Do you make that nod to the great director–choreographer who did this by way of paying homage or borrowing it? Or do you try to set out and do something that’s original?"
Longbottom has chosen the latter. Not only is he reinventing the musical staging — including the iconic "Telephone Hour" number, originally done with the teen ensemble planted in cubicles onstage — he also decided to go with a young and rather unconventional cast. Best known for their work on screen (but no strangers to Broadway), John Stamos and Gina Gershon star as Albert and Rosie. Nickelodeon teen idol Nolan Gerard Funk stars as Conrad Birdie opposite the Kim MacAfee of 14-year-old Allie Trimm (last seen in 13), who turns 15 in October.
Bye Bye Birdie marks the fourth Broadway production for Stamos but the first time he is originating a role — an "honor," he says, he hasn't deserved until now. He made his Broadway debut in the 1995 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, replacing Matthew Broderick, and most recently took over for Antonio Banderas in the Roundabout's revival of Nine. "I feel like I sort of paid my dues and I have worked my way here over the past 15 years," he says. "I spent time learning the craft of being onstage, and being able to fill a stage."
Stamos says he plans on making the role of Albert, made famous by the legendary Dick Van Dyke, his own.
"I'm going in with my strengths. Dick had such a specific way of moving. In the same way I want to find that, but I want to have something so specifically me." Regarding the choreography, Stamos adds, "I'm a drummer, so my approach is a sort of percussion approach where I want to bring in stuff to play — my body, suitcases, etc.... My approach is going to be very rhythmic."
Regardless, both Longbottom and Stamos are looking forward to bringing back this period gem with a contemporary flare.
"We look at people who lived 50 years ago as older people today," says Longbottom, "but they were cool at that moment and riding the wave of Elvis to The Beatles. I can't imagine anything more thrilling to be a part of, and we got Conrad Birdie."
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Nolan Gerard Funk and cast
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| photo by Joan Marcus |
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