Laurel Highlands students prepare ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ musical
When Elvis Presley was drafted into the military in 1958, he left behind a budding music career for the love of his country. His story became the inspiration for a hit Broadway musical that would later become a popular high school musical selection. Next weekend, one local high school will present that show.
Laurel Highlands High School will present “Bye, Bye Birdie” March 10, 11, and 12 in the high school auditorium. In all, 86 students will bring the town of “Sweet Apple” and its inhabitants and visitors to life. Co-directors Nicole Cipriani and Jennifer George praise the hard work and dedication every one of the students put into the production.
“This is a fantastic cast who work their butts off,” said Cipriani, a guidance counselor at the Laurel Highlands Middle School. “Despite the snow days and weather-related setbacks, these kids worked really hard and we’re very proud of every one of them.”
The show gets its name from Conrad Birdie (played by senior Casey Bondarenka), a rock and roll sensation who is Army bound. His manager, Albert (senior Chris Welch), gets a great idea from his secretary/sweetheart Rosie (junior Vanessa Frank) to stage one last publicity stunt before Conrad goes overseas. Albert writes a new song called “One Last Kiss” and the plan is to have Conrad premiere it on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and kiss a member of his fan club live on TV.
Kim McAfee (sophomore Ellie Monaghan), a teenager from Sweet Apple, Ohio, is the lucky girl picked to smooch Conrad. Her parents, however, are not as thrilled. During Conrad’s stay at Kim’s home, Mr. and Mrs. McAfee (senior Derek Plaski and junior Alexis Zawelensy) experience the rocker’s rude and selfish behavior.
Kim’s steady boyfriend Hugo (senior Nick Jordan) is not pleased to see his girl swoon over Conrad. The plot thickens when Rosie, driven mad with jealousy after Albert’s mother arrives in town and tries to fix him up with a curvy blonde, and Hugo plot to destroy Conrad’s appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
The show features popular songs “Kids” and “Put on a Happy Face.” Musical accompaniment is provided by a six-piece professional pit orchestra.
Cipriani and George, a junior high English teacher in the Mapletown School District, are no strangers to the stage. While both students at Laurel Highlands, they each participated in the theatre department’s productions. After graduating, they were drawn back to their alma mater and have collaborated on the last four productions at the school, co-producing the last three.
Rick Workman, the Laurel Highlands elementary/middle school music teacher, serves as vocal coach. Lauren Groves is the set designer and choir director. Hair and makeup is handled by Bryan Rossini with Jamie Schliffka managing costumes. Kate George and Marybeth Tajc serve as choreographers.
For Bondarenka, who stars in the show, it was a decision between basketball and the stage during his final semester at Laurel Highlands. In the end, it came down to his friend, Derek Plaski, who plays Conrad’s smoochee’s father, Mr. McAfee.
“I had played basketball for the last three years. This year, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it again,” Bondarenka said. “Derek did the show last year and got me to join.”
In his first and only year in the theatre department, Bondarenka managed to score a leading role. He credits an enjoyment of theatre and singing to his success. Bondarenka eventually took his love of music to the next level and joined the jazz and madrigal choirs this year.
Plaski met Bondarenka their freshman year when they both played basketball. After hearing how much fun an acquaintance had on a previous musical, Plaski decided to join and found he loved acting.
“I didn’t know anyone (in the group) when I joined,” Plaski said. “Now, though, these (students in the show) are some of my closest friends.”
Next year, while attending the University of Pittsburgh to study business, Plaski hopes to continue his pursuit of the stage.
Both students agree on one thing – “The talent in this year’s musical is ridiculous. Everyone is perfect for their roles – even the smaller parts.”
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” added Bondarenka, who is headed to West Virginia University next fall to study marketing. “I get to be with my friends and do something I enjoy.”
Tickets can be reserved by calling 724-437-4741. Curtain each night is at 7 p.m. Prior to the show on March 12, a dinner sponsored by the Academic Foundation will be held. The cost includes a ticket to the show, and reservations can be made by calling 724-437-2821.