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David Rooney, Variety: "Warmed-over apple pie and flat soda pop, anyone? That's the all-American snack being served in less-than-optimum form in "Bye Bye Birdie." The first Broadway revival of the 1960 musical ought to be a lot more fun. But Robert Longbottom's miscast, over-designed production rarely musters the energy or effervescence its riot of candy color and teenage hormones might suggest. The show retains its corny charms and a bunch of tuneful songs, which might be enough for undiscerning family audiences; others will struggle to identify much authentic flavor in its aggressive blandness."

Erik Haagensen, Backstage: "Director-choreographer Robert Longbottom's production seems calculated to decimate the material. Number after number implodes, whether due to clueless direction, fussy and unfocused choreography, or incompetent singing and dancing. Joke after joke dies on the vine. Longbottom appears not to understand that "Birdie" is a satire."

Elysa Gardner, USA Today: "The good news is that the Roundabout revival (* * * out of four), which opened Thursday at Henry Miller's Theatre, milks this trifle for all its breezy charm."

Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press: "By today's standards, their rebellion isn't much. But a half-century ago, "Birdie" seemed awash in gentle, slightly subversive charm, that both parents and their children could relate to. Plus it exuded a genuine likability, a cheerfulness kept aloft by a buoyant score. That charm - and a sense of fun - are missing in action on the stage of Broadway's newest theatre."

Robert Feldberg, The Bergen Record: "The 1960 musical, cherished by all high school drama teachers, is more than slightly familiar. But director-choreographer Robert Longbottom has given it a fresh and shiny production that, while uneven, is pleasingly fast on its feet."

Frank Schneck, The Hollywood Reporter: "This is, surprisingly enough, the first Broadway revival of the show since its premiere 48 years ago. Hopefully, another one will come along in the not-too-distant future to erase the sour taste of this rendition."

More Reviews to Come...