The Marist Theater Guild is preparing for their upcoming spring musical, Bye Bye Birdie.
Both directors, Mrs. Erin Vail and Mrs. Erin Kelly, wanted to have a more inclusive musical this year, extending the opportunity outside of teens from Marist to play a variety of roles.
“We really wanted to have kids and adults in addition to the teens in the musical. When we thought of Bye Bye Birdie, we knew it was the perfect fit,” Vail said.
The wide range of talent required was also a factor.
“We wanted something that had a lot of dancing, a lot of parts, and a lot of ensemble work, ” Vail said.
In addition to consideration for the performers, they also had the audience in mind.
“It is hilarious. The music is very good. It’s an Elvis rock and roll type of music, so it doesn’t necessarily have traditional musical theater elements that some people would not be interested in,” Vail said.
Once the choice was made, Vail and Kelly wanted to start right away with preparations for the musical, scheduling auditions first thing into the new semester. They also wanted to make sure performers would have enough time to learn dances, songs, and their roles, so they have eight weeks before they go onstage.
“There’s a lot of preparation needed for this show. It usually takes us about eight weeks and that’s how much time we have,” Vail said.
Vail is not the only one looking forward to this production.
“I feel like this is a great choice for a spring musical this year because it’s a huge cast with a lot of people who are participating in it. I all around love it and it’s super funny,” said sophomore Kevin Curley.
Curley says that he is beginning to really enjoy his role in the musical as Albert Peterson.
“He’s a super fun role and I also relate to him. I’m a mama’s boy just like him,” Curley said.
His character also has a lot of dancing in this show.
“I am nervous about the tap dancing I’ll have to do, but I mean if people come they’ll definitely see the progress I’d have made,” Curley said.
Challenges aside, he thinks it will be a big hit with the Marist community.
“I think this musical would make viewers feel happy and excited, and it’s definitely something fun to do over the weekend. I think students’ family and friends would especially enjoy it,” Curley said.
Performances are March 13-15 at the Morgan Park Academy Arts Center.
