Local theater, classic show

With the latest season of "American Idol" set to begin, millions are thinking about what makes a pop star, and a lucky few are dreaming of the adulation they might receive if they win the title.

It kind of makes you wonder how Conrad Birdie might have done in the musical popularity contest. And it makes "Bye Bye Birdie" feel relevant today, say those staging the show this weekend.

"It has a sort of classic story line where there's a pop idol that everyone is absolutely infatuated with," said Lauren Visher, who is co-producing Magical Starlight Theatre's production of the show, set to open Friday in Naperville Central High School's auditorium.

The original play opened on Broadway in 1960, followed by a 1963 movie version. The story is about pop star Conrad Birdie's promotional visit to small-town Ohio before the military draft whisks him away for a tour of duty in the Army.

"You automatically think of Elvis Presley," Visher said. "It's about how he came to this small town and how he disrupts their lives for a few days."

Though set in the 1950s, Visher said, "we thought it was relevant today. There are so many pop stars."

The show, a full-out musical, features a cast of 52 playing a total of 75 parts. There's also a '50s-sounding score.

"It's classic '50s music," Visher said, adding that older theatergoers will feel pangs of nostalgia while younger audience members will recognize at least a few numbers, including "Kids."

Visher, who is producing the show with Kate Ray and whose mother, Kris Visher, is directing the show, said Magical Starlight's take on the theater classic approximates what was seen on Broadway nearly 50 years ago.

"We are doing the original Broadway show, plus alternate pieces," Visher said, explaining that a few original songs have been supplanted with other tunes.

Set designers accommodated the two-act show's need to move the action from gritty New York City to pastoral-by-comparison Sweet Apple, Ohio, by throwing the audience optical cues.

"Everything in New York is muted earth tones. Sweet Apple is all colorful and exciting," Visher said. "There's actually a four-color palette -- lime green, teal-aqua blue, light pink and raspberry hot pink."

The cast, too, brings the action alive with gusto.

"All the cast are what we call triple threats -- they can sing, act and dance," Visher said.

The show runs about two hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

"Kids of all ages can come and see it," Visher said, adding, "It's not a kiddie show. There's humor the adults will enjoy and understand."

But, there's nothing too risque for the younger set.

"It's great for families," she said.

If you go

What: "Bye Bye Birdie" staged by Magical Starlight Theatre

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Jan. 18, 19, 25 and 26; 2 p.m. Sunday and Jan. 19, 20 and 27

Where: Naperville Central High School auditorium, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville

Tickets: $8

Info: (630) 848-5000 or magicalstarlighttheatre.org

Cast List

Mrs. Miller: Lauren Acquaviva

Urusla Merkle: Madeline Acquaviva

Mr. Peabody: Joel Barenbrugge

Dottie Miller: Cali Beyer

Maude's wife: Kim Beyer

Conrad Birdie: Joe Bonadonna

Joey Miller: Nick Ciliak

Mrs. Garfein: Sheri Ciliak

Polly Johnson: Jessie Conkright

Sally Miller: Jenna Crosby

Mr. Garfein: Michael Doll

Wayne Merkle: Will Donahue

Rose Alvarez: Laurie Edwalds

Jeannie/mayor's daughter: Emma Evans

Betty Garfein: Alyssa Frewen

Mary Merkle: Melanie Frewen

Hailey: Alaina Gallwas

Vern/mayor's son: Nick Graffagna

Johnny Johnson: James Hruska

Mayor: Jay Hruska

Edna/mayor's wife: Cynthia Katz

Nancy Johnson: Kelly Lamich

Randolph Macafee: Dan Leahy

Debra Sue Miller: Claire Leitzen

Melody Merkle: Olivia Link

Mrs. Macafee: Jill Ludlam

Harvey Johnson: John Ludlam

Sandy Maude: Krissy Ludlam

Albert Peterson: Paul Mullen

Billy Maude: Grant Myatt

Meg/mayor's daughter: Alex Oechsel

Mr. Harry Macafee: Chris Oechsel

Hugo Peabody: Chris Oechsel

Helen Henkle: Erin Oechsel

Mae Peterson: Kay Oliver

Charles F. Maude: Chad Olsen

Tootie Peabody: Kendall Olsen

Ethel Peabody: Mallory Peterson

Mrs. Merkle: Julie Pici

Sharon Johnson/sad girl: Betsy Pilon

Charlie Merkle: Dennis Raleigh

Jimmy Garfein: Michael Raleigh

Gloria Rasputen: Suzanne Reeves

Sissy Peabody: Rachel Seermon

Charity Garfein: Laura Shay

Mr. Johnson: Anand Sridhar

Mr. Miller: Andrew Trygstad

Kim Macafee: Victoria Visher

Penelope-Ann Henkle: Erin Walsh

Susie Johnson: Nikki Wilson

Alice/mayor's daughter: Maggie Wimp

Margie Maude: Carly Ziff