‘Bye Bye Birdie’ nears at Community House

The Community House Players Summer Theatre presents the musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie,” directed by Phil Nardulli, from July 10 to 20.

It will be performed in The Community House in Hinsdale, 415 W. Eighth St. The show is appropriate for the entire family, including children age 5 and older. Opening night is at 7:30 p.m. July 10, and performances continue at 7:30 p.m. July 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. Matinee performances take place at 2:30 p.m. July 12, 13, 19 and 20.

“This show brings back the fun and innocence of the early Elvis Presley era,” Nardulli said. “It’s why ‘Happy Days’ was such a popular TV series. It’s nostalgic and goofy in a good way. It’s pure, unadulterated fun.”

The plot revolves around rock ’n‘ roll superstar Conrad Birdie and the comic complications that arise when his agent stages a publicity stunt on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Conrad will kiss one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio, before being drafted into the Army. “Bye Bye Birdie” originally took the Broadway stage in 1961, winning multiple Tony Awards.

“We could have triple cast this show based on the astounding number of high-caliber people auditioning from more than 30 different communities,” said Dick Johnson, producer and one of the founders of The Community House Players Summer Theatre. “Most of our shows sell out quickly, so people are urged to get tickets now.”

Musical direction is by Tim Eisman and choreography is by Nancy Bocek.

The cast of 45 includes adults, college students and high schoolers from many suburbs. Kim MacAfee is played by Anne Rivelli of Hinsdale. PJ Forster of Chicago plays Conrad Birdie, Mrs. MacAfee is portrayed by Mary Quest of Berwyn and Randolph MacAfee is played by Griffin Conboy of Hinsdale. Conrad Birdie’s agent Albert Peterson is played by Jeff Quest of Berwyn, his mother Mama Mae Peterson by Denise Stout of Hinsdale, and Peterson’s secretary Rosie is played by Sarah McShane of Darien.

Tickets, available at www.thecommunityhouse.org, are $20 until June 30 and $25 after July 1. For information, call (630) 323-7500 or e-mail Dan Janowick at djanowick@thecommunityhouse.org.