North Shore Puts On A Happy Face
With "Bye, Bye Birdie"
July 15 - August 3

North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly returns to a simpler time of hula hoops and party lines when it presents "Bye, Bye Birdie," July 15 - August 3.

Winner of four 1961 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Bye, Bye Birdie" is all about rock 'n' roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley), who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the army.

Complications when, as part of a publicity stunt cooked up by his agent, Birdie promises to give one last good-bye kiss to one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio, live on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Featuring a book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, the upbeat score features “How Lovely To Be a Woman,” “The Telephone Hour,” “Put On A Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do” and “One Last Kiss.”

Barry Ivan, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer commented, “Given that 'Bye, Bye Birdie' is a story primarily about teenagers, we are thrilled that we have been able to cast some of our most talented local youth in the show as part of the ensemble and showcase the immense talent that comes from our local communities,. What is fascinating and timely about this 1961 Tony Award-winning musical is how its theme is relevant in today’s society regarding paparazzi and our fascination with pop icons.”

"Bye, Bye Birdie" stars Bianca Marroquin as Rose and James Patterson as Albert, Birdie’s manager. Marroquin will be stepping into the shoes of Albert’s longtime secretary and love interest fresh off a run as merry murderess Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of "Chicago." Her other theatrical credits include "Rent," "The Phantom of the Opera" and the national tour of "Chicago." She also originated the role of Carmen in the recent revival of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, "The Pajama Game."

Patterson has been seen on Broadway and in touring company productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "State Fair," in the national tour of "Cats," and in regional productions of "White Christmas" and "Mame." He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and Tufts University.

Eric Ulloa, featured as rock ‘n’ roll crooner Conrad Birdie, has been seen as Patrick opposite Sandy Duncan in "Mame," as Jacob in "Shenandoah," Perchik in "Fiddler on the Roof," and Anselmo in "Man of La Mancha."

The cast also features Ari Butle, Madeleine Doherty, Mary-Pat Green, Alessa Neeck, Robert Saoud and Adam Piispanen.

Michael Lichtefeld will be making his NSMT debut as both Director and Choreographer for the production. A theater veteran, Lichtefeld has choreographed numerous Broadway productions, including "Little Women,""The Secret Garden," "The Sound Of Music," and "Sweeney Todd." He has been nominated as best choreographer for The Drama Desk Award, The L.A. Ovation Award, and three Outer Critic’s Circle Awards.

On Broadway, "Bye, Bye Birdie" starred Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera and was directed and choreographed by the legendary Gower Champion. The 1963 film version, also starring Dick Van Dyke, featured Janet Leigh, Ann-Margret, Maureen Stapleton, Paul Lynde and Bobby Rydell. The story was adapted for television in 1995, starring Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams.

Relalted Free Audience Enrichment events include:

Meet the Theatre
A post-show audience discussion with the artists on July 22 after the 7:30 p.m. performance and August 2 after the 2 p.m. performance

Spotlight on History
A free pre-show discussion on July 27 focusing on historical issues related to the production.

Out at the North Shore
July 31 - An evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception.

For tickets and information, call 978-32-7200 or visit www.nsmt.org.