Photos by Roark Gourley
The curtain goes up on the Park Avenue Players’ presentation of “Bye Bye Birdie,” Friday, March 13, for a three weekend run in the Laguna Beach High School Artists’ Theatre.
The production will be the final spring musical by director Mark Dressler, who after 25 years with the school district will retire in June.
The show written by Michael Stewart with music by Charles Strouse is
choreographed by Erika Whalen Schindele with musical direction from Roxanna Ward. The show features a cast of 90 students and a student orchestra.
Equal parts comedy and love story, the play is centered on ‘50s rock star Conrad Birdie, who has been drafted for military service. Before he departs, a national contest is held to bestow a last kiss on some lucky girl. The story shifts to Sweet Apple, Ohio, where fun and mayhem ensue.
Students artists worked with cast members from the production as models to create artwork inspired by ‘50s era film and pop culture. Their art will be on display in the Artists’ Theatre foyer during the production.
LBHS art teachers Kerry Pellow, Bridget Porter and Somer Selway coordinated the student show, which includes ceramic pieces, photography, and artwork. Proceeds will be used to fund additional art department student projects.
For “Bye, Bye Birdie” ticket information, call 949 497-7769or stop by the Artists’ Theatre box office, 625 Park Ave. Show dates: March 13-14, 20-21,27-28 at 7:30 p.m.; March 15, 22, 29 at 2:30 p.m. Student tickets are $10, adults $15 and reserved seating $20.
