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Posted: 11/5/02 You don't want to miss 'Bye, Bye, Birdie'All Braham Area High School students and staff involved in the musical production of 'Bye, Bye, Birdie,' should give themselves a big pat on the back. You survived opening night Saturday and from the standing ovation and cheers, it was evident the show was great! Opening night of 'Bye, Bye, Birdie,' was phenomenal. Set in the 1960s, it was apparent to everyone in the audience that a lot of hard work and dedication was put into the musical. Between the many detailed set designs, several musical numbers, calculated choreographed moves and wonderful acting, it was obvious the students involved in the production gave it everything they had. The "Essentials," who made up Conrad Birdie's Fan Club, policemen, reporters and townspeople, did a fabulous job. I would never want to make the girls from Conrad's fan club mad, because they sure could scream. The "Essentials," also had to learn many choreographed dance moves, which they performed very well. The acting talents of all the students was great. Every student's talents made opening night successful. But I especially want to acknowledge the talents of lead roles, Travis Marttila (Albert Peterson), Megan Turnquist (Rose Alvarez), Eben Olson (Harry MacAfee), Emily Rumpel (Kim MacAfee), Kyle Glidden (Conrad Birdie) and Amanda Folkestead (Mae Peterson). Marttila did a great job of playing Conrad's agent and the love interest of Rose Alvarez. I especially liked his "Mr. Macho," scene when he told Rose that she was just a "woman," who should tend to his every need. A musical number that shined due to the talents of Turnquist was "Spanish Rose." Turnquist displayed a "little attitude" with her "Spanish Rose" number and even incorporated the audience with this outstanding act. Olson had the "father figure," act down to a tee. He was also outstanding during the "Ed Sullivan Show," doing everything he could to try to get in front of the camera. Rumpel played the part of the "young in love," very well. Her opening scene of "How Lovely to be a Woman," was well orchestrated and choreographed. Glidden, who played the "ever so suave," Conrad Birdie, did a fabulous job. His acting talents shined, especially during his "Honestly Sincere," musical number and his "dancing moves," put Elvis to shame. No one could have done a better job of playing the "protective mother," than Folkestead. Her role as Albert's mom was outstanding. Not wanting to give up Albert, especially to Rose, kept everyone in the audience laughing. Playing the part of "mom," sure fit Folkestead very well and she made that role shine. Also, the pit orchestra, should be commended. Along with the actors and production crew, they have spent many hours preparing the music for the many musical numbers. Even though you don't see them, you can hear them and their musical talents are outstanding and kept the production alive and full of spirit. You aren't going to want to miss a performance of 'Bye, Bye, Birdie.' It's full of outstanding musical numbers, dancing moves and brilliant acting from the students of District 314. From the opening act, you are kept laughing and entertained during the three-hour production. There's never a dull moment during the performance of 'Bye, Bye, Birdie.' Remaining performances are scheduled for Nov. 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling the BAHS office at (320) 396-4444. Tickets are $6 for students and children and $7 for adults. Doors open 30 minutes prior to production. Many hours have been spent on rehearsals and the students' talents are amazing. Take a night to attend a performance and recognize the hard work and talent of the students from BAHS. You won't regret it. ©Isanti County News |