Thomas Gilbert prepares to hit Derrick Chapman as Kady King watches in a rehearsal scene for “Bye-Bye Birdie.” The production next week is part of The Grand Theatre’s 2012 Summer Music Theatre Camp program. SKIP BUTLER/The Daily Tribune News
Derrick Chapman who plays Conrad Birdie, center, leads the cast of “Bye-Bye Birdie” in a song and dance scene. SKIP BUTLER/The Daily Tribune News
"Bye-Bye Birdie" is the story of music agent Albert Peterson who has arranged for his client, rock 'n' roll sensation Conrad Birdie, to give one last kiss to teen fan Kim McAfee on the "Ed Sullivan Show" before being drafted into the Army. They travel to Kim's hometown Sweetapple, Ohio, where having a big celebrity in town really shakes up the locals, especially Kim's steady boyfriend, Hugo. The PG-rated show is filled with dancing and music, including the hit song "Put on a Happy Face."
Leading the cast this year are Ryan Tippens as Albert Peterson, Victoria Staley as Rose Alvarez, Kady King as Kim McAfee, Thomas Gilbert as Hugo, Derrick Chapman as Conrad Birdie and Noelle Lashley as Mrs. Mae Peterson. Directing the performance are Erin Gunter and Morgan McCrary with musical direction by Julie Bearden.
Adult tickets for "Bye-Bye Birdie" are $10 and student tickets are $7. Tickets are available at the Grand Theatre Box office in downtown Cartersville or by calling 770-386-7343.