In 2014, “Bye Bye Birdie” — the classic Broadway musical and film — was a sold-out Staples Players summer production.
This fall, it will be the award-winning high school troupe’s mainstage show.
To get ready, we offer highlights from 12 years ago. Former Staples media teacher Jim Honeycutt — who filmed most of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s shows — created this “nutshell” reel. Click here or below to see.
Many cast members have gone on to successful careers, on stage and off. They include:
Clay Singer (Albert Peterson) has extensive theater credits, including “Masquerade” in New York, “Fiddler On the Roof.””The Band’s Visit” North American tour, “Next to Normal,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Ragtime,” “The Full Monty — and “Into the Woods” in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Elle Duran (Albert Peterson) s a trans and non-binary actor, singer and content creator. She appeared in the film “1660 Vine,” and guest-starred as Alisha in Abbott Elementary. Elle creates queer-affirming, educational social media videos to support the trans community, and co-hosts the “Trans In Love” podcast discussing relationships and trans family dynamics.
Michelle Pauker (Kim Macafee) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.
Jack Seigenthaler (Conrad Birdie), from Weston, entered Harvard Law School in 2024. He previously spent several years at the ACLU of Tennessee. In Nashville, Jack managed advocacy campaigns and lobbying efforts at the state legislature, before moving to Brooklyn to serve as policy and budget director for a New York City council member.
Caroline Rossi, now McCluskey (Mrs Doris Macafee) works in public relations and marketing. She lives in New York City with her husband.
Will Smith (Mr. Harry Macaque) studied theater and English and Muhlenberg College. He is now an editor at the Empire Design Company, creating trailers for movies and TV shows.
Joe Badion (Hugo Peabody) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Nick Rossi (Randolph Macafee) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”
Bryan Gannon (Mayor) is an actor and producer best known for his roles as Inspector Lestrade in the film “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Furtive Festivity,” and on “The Deuce” and “Paramount’s Fences.”
Mackenzie Lavoie (Mayor’s Wife) earned a bachelor of science in arts administration, combined arts and a minor in film and media studies at Wagner College. She is a communications and PR professional specializing in strategic storytelling, media relations and brand positioning.
Keanan Pucci (Maude) graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, contributing to virtual production pipelines and visual development for projects like Netflix’s “Escape from Hat.” His film credits include “An Inconsistent Story in Stealing. Click here for a showcase of his interactive and 3D work.
Noa Wind (Nancy) is a vocalist and performer who has appeared as a supporting chorus member and soloist in high-profile concert events with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.
Jordan Goodness (Deborah Sue) is a baritone with extensive experience in Voice Over.
Christian Melhuish (Freddie) is a singer, actor and dancer in New York.
After graduating from Temple University with a BFA in musical theater, Christian has performed regionally around the country. Credits include Jesus (“Godspell”), Romeo (“Romeo & Juliet”) and Bob Gaudio (“Jersey Boys”). He has also performed Off-Broadway and in cabarets and staged readings.
Daniel Pauker (Reporter 1) is a New York-based technical animator. He graduated from Syracuse University, and has a passion for 3D software and systems.
Bailey Claffey (Reporter 3) graduated from Wagner College’s Theater and Speech Department. She has performed regionally, and sang the national anthem before a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
