Beware the evils of rock

March 25, 2008|By DANIELLE HIGGINS / Pulse Correspondent

The 1950s was a simpler time. Defining the era were traditional family values, poodle skirts and suburbs that seemed to stretch for miles.

But then, something came and disrupted the carefree decade. It came without warning and forever changed the world. It horrified parents as it loudly made its way across the country. Yes, kids, we're talking about rock 'n' roll.

South Hagerstown High School's advanced theater class will take a trip back to the late 1950s with its production of "Bye Bye Birdie."

In this fun musical-comedy, Conrad Birdie is the king of rock and roll. To the dismay of thousands of teenage fans, Conrad is drafted into the army. Rosie, the secretary to Conrad's manager Albert, hatches a brilliant publicity stunt to send Conrad off to the army with one last hit song. Conrad will premiere the song " One Last Kiss" on the Ed Sullivan Show, and give one last kiss to a randomly selected teenager. Of course, things do not go as planned and Sweet Apple, Ohio, is rocked by the visit.

The students participating in the production of "Bye Bye Birdie" have a wide range of experience and talents. That's a good thing in a musical that calls for lots of singing, character acting, and all kinds of dancing, from ballet to tap to the jitterbug.

Kaitlyn Bosco, 16, is a sophomore in the drama class. "Bye Bye Birdie" is her first production.

"I had no idea how much I enjoyed to sing and to create something like this until I took this class," she said.

Senior Jeanie Fields, 18, is a veteran of several plays and musicals. She knows how stressful every show can be, but also knows that all the hard work is worth it on opening night.

"The kids in our drama class put their heart and soul into the show," Fields said. "We become a part of the show and together we grow as a family. 'Birdie' is a great chance to see our talent on display."

South High will present "Bye Bye Birdie" on Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28 in South High's auditorium. The show will begin at 7:30 each night. Tickets are $7 each; they will be sold at the door.

For more information, call South High at 301-766-8369.

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