4/20/99

Tusculum A.C.T. to present "Bye-Bye Birdie"

Erin Hensley as Rose and Jonathan Noel as Albert Peterson Photo by Wess duBrisk

"Bye Bye Birdie," a popular musical send-up of the late 50s era, will be the spring production of Tusculum College's Actors Coming Together (A.C.T.) program. According to director Marilyn duBrisk, "the style of the whole program is going to be very bold.”

The story follows what happens when a young New York talent agent, Albert Peterson (played by Jonathan Noel) finds out that his hottest client — rock-star Conrad Birdie (Brad Maddux) — has been drafted into the army. When Albert’s longtime secretary cooks up a money-making scheme to have the heart-throb Birdie give "one last kiss" to a dedicated fan, the action moves to Sweet Apple, Ohio, for a view of small town life in the 50s.

From brightly colored sets to a cast of nearly 80 area high school students, duBrisk describes "Bye Bye Birdie" as "a lot larger than life," and packed with color, energy and, of course, music. "In the average musical you’ll have maybe four company pieces," she said. "But in this show we have nine company numbers."

The music for the play is typical late 50s/early 60’s: "very melodic," duBrisk says, with one romantic number and several that are "more swing and jitterbug." Pianist Caroline Greg will provide accompaniment, with Christopher Cunningham on percussion. There are "some hilarious songs," duBrisk says, as well as some that form a mild parody of the rock star singing style.

Also providing variety are the 17 comic-book inspired sets and the flat, two-dimensional props designed and created by technical director Frank Mengel and local artist Gary Renfro. The sets, which, like comic books, feature a palette of only ten pastel colors, are designed to be folded out on large 3-piece "flats" for quick changes.

Gurnee Barrett as the unfortunate Hugh Peadbody, Julia Diez D'Aux as Kim McAffee, along with Carrie Baker, Mia Wells, Stephanie Ryman, Bonnie Nunnally, and Jessica Sams Photo by Wess duBrisk

The costumes for the play, designed by Ann Birdwell and Melody Noel, are all in primary colors and follow the 50s fashion of poodle skirts, pedal pushers, and tight jeans. Noreen Barrett is in charge of creating the makeup and hairstyles of the era, including the title character's Elvis-inspired pompadour.

DuBrisk says her young actors, who come from four high schools in Greeneville and Greene County, have learned new skills for the play. Since their characters must fit into the "larger than life” theme of the production, "the actors have to expand their delivery," she says.

"It’s been fun talking to the students about how things were in the 50s. It’s fun to get them to drop their sophisticated 90s personas and giggle and blush like teens did then," she added. "The students are responding well and having fun capturing a more naive and innocent time."

The cast includes:

• Erin Hensley as Rose, Albert Peterson's faithful secretary
• Julia Diaz d'Aux as Kim McAffee, "the girl who gets kissed"
• Micah Honeycutt and Tammy Foshie as Mr. and Mrs. McAffee
• Gurnee Barrett, as Hugh Peabody, the unfortunate boyfriend of Kim McAffee
• Maggie Yancey as Mae Peterson, Albert's mother
  
  Filling just a few of the many supporting roles are:
• Audrey Russell as Ursula
• Phalon Story as the Mayor
  
• Chris Seaton as Charles F. Maud
• and Holly Brockwell as Gloria Rasputin

Serving as stage manager and assistant director is Delina Hensley, while Barbie Ricker is stage manager. Over 45 area high school students are helping with sets, makeup, and technical production.

"Bye Bye Birdie" will be performed in the Annie Hogan Byrd Auditorium April 23-24, April 30, and May 1, all at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees will be April 25 and May 2 at 2 p.m. Admission is $6. Tickets are available at Tusculum College, Greeneville High School, and at the door.