Staples Players enjoyed their 68th successful season last year.
They wowed audiences with “Les Misérables,” “Urinetown” and “Twelve Angry Men.”
All 3 shows were staged with Players’ trademark near-Broadway quality. All 3 provoked their sold-out houses.
And — to varying degrees — all 3 can be considered a bit dark.
This fall’s production offers not a revolution, dystopia or courtroom.
“Bye Bye Birdie” is a fun, old school musical. Between high-energy music, tons of dancing and great ’50s-style costumes, it’s a feel-good show for all ages.
“The Telephone Hour”
Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have always loved “Bye Bye Birdie.” It was a summer production in 2014.
“There’s a reason it’s a classic,” Roth says. “The songs are great. And it’s very, very funny.”
The 1960 Tony Award-winning Broadway show was influenced by Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army 3 years earlier. The star character’s name — Conrad Birdie — is a play on the name of Conway Twitty, the country music star who was one of Presley’s biggest rivals.
The role is double cast. One of the Birdies is Jeffrey Nwafor. A senior who was in, among others, “Twelve Angry Men,” he is an A Better Chance of Westport scholar. He follows in the footsteps of previous ABC Players stars, like Jahari Dodd and Jeremie Mayes.
Jeffrey Nwafor as Conrad Birdie.
Jeffrey shares the role with sophomore Grayson Jandora. He played Jean Valjean last fall, in “Les Mis.”
Roth and Long look forward to full houses, in the newly renovated Staples auditorium. “It’s always great to have young kids introduced to theater,” Roth notes.
Ari Sklar (left) as Albert Peterson with the ensemble, in “Put on a Happy Face.” (All photos/Kerry Long)
As always, Players will raise awareness of important causes. Audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food and household items for Homes with Hope’s pantry.
There’s also a “pink out” opening night for breast cancer awareness, and a “kiss wall” fundraiser.
The curtain rises this Friday (November 13, 7:30 p.m.). “Bye Bye Birdie” also runs at 7:30 on November 14, 19, 20 and 21, with additional performances at 2 p.m. on November 15, 21 and 22.
Click here for tickets, the double cast list and more information.
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