 Sunset presents “Bye Bye Birdie”
Sunset High School's theater department presents the “Bye Bye Birdie” from composer Charles Strouse that was inspired by the phenomenon of Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the Army. The production, opening on March 6, features a cast of over 70 Sunset High School students. The cost for adults is $10, $8 for students, and $5 for seniors and can be purchased at the door or online here. The play opened March 6, and continues March 7, 8,13, 14, and 15. Doors open at 7 pm and the curtain rises at 7:30 pm. Sunset families, students and the community are invited to this all-age-appropriate musical.
Sunset's talented cast take the stage in a farewell to the rock and roll star, Conrad Birdie, who is scheduled to sing Albert Peterson's "One Last Kiss" and kiss a girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio, live on the Ed Sullivan Show. However, Conrad's hip-thrusting makes more than one man in town uncomfortable, many of whom attempt to stop the show from happening. Meanwhile, Rosie wonders if Alfred, for whom she does everything, will ever leave his mother's shadow.
The final performance, on Saturday, March 15, will honor fallen soldier John Alexander Pelham, the 2010 Sunset graduate who died in Afghanistan last month. It’s a coincidence that Bye Bye Birdie revolves around Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the Army.
Celebrating 55 years of live theater, Sunset High School produces a diverse selection of productions, from musical classics like “Damn Yankees” and “The Wizard of Oz,” to some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. These productions push the boundaries of design, creativity and interpretation, enabling students to experiment with different styles, roles and historical eras.
Funds raised through this production will go toward refurbishing the Sunset High School auditorium. The 800-seat Sunset High School auditorium is in desperate need of repair. Overall costs are estimated at $60,000 to replace the auditorium’s sound system, fix broken seats, and make many other necessary facility upgrades. The school district simply cannot fund these improvements. They are hoping to raise a minimum of $10,000 in the 2013-2014 school years towards those repairs. More information on Sunset's theater programs, including sponsorship opportunities, is available at shstheatre.yolasite.com. For more information or questions regarding the production, contact Debbie Caldwell at 503-780-9695 or debbiecaldwell@yahoo.com.
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