Beale Street Theater is well-known for the extravagant musicals performed every summer, and this one will be the best show yet. This Thursday, Beale Street Theater will be premiering iconic Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie!
Bye Bye Birdie is placed in the retro 1950s with poodle skirts, converse, and rock-n-roll. Inspired by Elvis Presley and his draft into the army, the audience will follow the chaotic story of popstar Conrad Birdie, played by Chris Commisso, and his road to Sweet Apple, Ohio in search of one “Last Kiss” before heading off to the army.
This musical is perfect for a place like Mohave County. Kingman and its surrounding areas love the history of Route 66 with the 1950s nostalgia, and Bye Bye Birdie hits all the notes. The Theater also have participants from all over the tri-state area involved, including Lake Havasu City. Matt Hecht, the director, hopes that these cities “realize we have a great talent pool and we’re doing a big movement here with the community theatre.” He hopes that everyone comes and appreciates this classic Broadway musical.
With so much diversity in this show, there is always something someone will love. The girls are fanatical and their singing and dancing will keep anyone tapping their feet under their chair. Conrad Birdie even wears a gold suit during his performance of “Last Kiss” on the Ed Sullivan Show. Not to mention, there’s the love story between Albert Peterson, played by Geoff Cornelson, and fiery Rosie Alvarez, played by Andy Ballstaedt. The cast and crew have also worked hard preparing little surprises to help the audience feel more immersed in the experience. Matt didn’t want to give too much away, but he said that “there’s quite a bit of interaction with the audience. We want them to feel as if they are a part of some of the scenes.”
With great casting, scene work, dance work, and live orchestra music, the audience will surely leave the show feeling invigorated.
Furthermore, if you love what you see, and support the theater, you can donate at the show as well. Now, Beale Street Theater is amid their renovation campaign to rebuild the theater in Downtown Kingman. During the performances, if you donate any amount of money, Angle Homes will match the donation. Your $10 will turn into $20 for Beale Street Theater, up to $100,000 in donation match. All proceeds go straight to the renovation campaign.
Bye Bye Birdie performances are June 14-15th and June 20-22nd at 7pm, located at Kingman High School, 4182 N. Bank St. in Kingman. Added Matinees will be performing on June 15th and 22nd at 1pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4-11 years old. Tickets are available online at bealestreettheater.com/tickets/ at Kingman Center of the Arts downtown, and at the door.
-Skyler Holmes
