“Bye Bye Birdie” is Rockin’ and Rollin’

Live on Stage at the Herberger Theater Center

June 9 through 25 

Join the frenzy as the nation bids farewell to dreamy rocker Conrad Birdie, whose last publicity stunt before shipping off to the army sets the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio on its ear. Sound like a page out of American Idol?  It’s not. Set in the late 1950’s, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of a big-time star and the mayhem that erupts when a small-town girl wins his last kiss on national TV.  This timeless classic still speaks to today’s youth as well as their parents. Teens from across the Valley are featured, including thirteen Ahwatukee youth.

“Any one who has ever had a crush on a rock star will love Bye Bye Birdie,” says director Bobb Cooper. “ Whether it was Elvis Presley or one of today’s idols, the story is a classic tale of unknown girl meets larger-than-life boy, along with all the drama that goes along with that.  It is lots of fun, regardless of your age.”

Songs included in this classic musical are: "The Telephone Hour," "One Boy," "One Last Kiss," "A Lot of Livin' To Do," "Put On A Happy Face" and "Kids."                                                                            

Bye Bye Birdie is directed by producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. Musical Direction is by Mark Fearey. Katie Rex is Choreographer. 

Bye Bye Birdie  opens to the public, Thursday, June 9 and runs through June 25, 2006 at the Herberger Theater Center 222 E Monroe, Phoenix. Thursday and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets from $16.00 to $20.00  per person, adults and children two and up, and can be ordered through Herberger Theater Center’s box office at 602-252-8497.  For more information about Valley Youth Theatre and Bye Bye Birdie  visit  www.vyt.com. 

Valley Youth Theatre is a non-profit organization that targets young people age 7 – 19 for participation in and attendance at quality live theatre productions.  Its positive impact on youth provides them with lifelong lessons through a wide range of performing arts opportunities.  VYT is an award-winning theatre company most recently winning 31 ariZoni Awards for theatrical excellence in the 2004-2005 season.

Valley Youth Theatre is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts with funding from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Partial funding also is provided by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.