Last night, there was certainly more than one kind of drama featured on the BYE BYE BIRDIE stage at the New Henry Miller's Theatre. During this final preview performance, the production went into an unexpected 20 minute hiatus when the electronically controlled set did not clear during a scene change.
As the curtain fell in the middle of the act, the show's star, John Stamos entertained the audience in the house lights while stage hands frantically worked to fix the glitch. The audience provided no shortage of material for Stamos's stalling act. Comedian Don Rickles called out at one point, "Are they gonna fix it or is this going to be a weekend?" just before suggesting that the star get a haircut.
Also in the audience was Stamos' former Full House co-star Bob Saget who joined Stamos on stage to help pass the time with his own stand up routine. Among Saget's jokes, told as he spoke through Stamos' head mic, "I'm really glad your crotch is not miked."
Stamos' Bye Bye Birdie costar Gina Gershon also appeared during the impromptu set with an old poster of Stamos from his teen idol days, much to the delight of the audience and dismay of Stamos. Gershon's appearance, naturally prompted a "Gina, do something from Showgirls," line from Saget. Gershon obliged with the staple 'jazz hands to the face' move.
Serendipitously, after 20 minutes the show resumed with "Put on a Happy Face." It was smooth sailing to the curtain call.
Well, as they say, a disastrous dress rehearsal can only mean a fantastic opening.
Bye Bye Birdie stars John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Bill Irwin & Nolan Gerard Funk with Jayne Houdyshell, Dee Hoty, Matt Doyle, Jake Evan Schwencke and Alllie Trimm. It is a Roundabout production.
Bye Bye Birdie is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with a book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. This will be a limited engagement through January 10th, 2010.Tickets are available online at www.byebyebirdieonbroadway.com or by phone at (212)239-6200.
Ticket prices range from $86.50 - $136.50.
