Photo Flash: Go Backstage at Goodspeed's BYE BYE BIRDIE, with Charles Strouse and More!

The exuberant cast of BYE BYE BIRDIE will "spread sunshine all over the place" in this summertime sensation directed by Jenn Thompson. MS. Thompson's new take on this youthful classic includes two new songs, "BYE BYE BIRDIE" from the 1963 film and "A Mother Doesn't Matter Anymore" from the 1995 television presentation along with crisp new dance arrangements by accomplished composer of Broadway, film and television David Krane. Go inside Friday's night's first performance cast party - scroll down for photos!

Everyone will love this fun-filled musical, running June 24 - September 4 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn. The Official Press Opening will be July 13, 2016.

Put on a happy face! Army-bound rock star Conrad Birdie's farewell appearance in Sweet Apple, Ohio is the talk of the town. But it's a teenage crisis for new "steadies" Hugo and Kim: she just won the chance to give Birdie one last kiss before boot camp. Kids, parents and show folk collide in the Goodspeed debut of the hip-swiveling musical comedy set at the dawn of the sensational '60s. Bring the entire family to discover we've got a lot of livin' to do!

BYE BYE BIRDIE features book by Michael Stewart; music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. This rockin'-and- rollin' musical joyride will be sponsored by Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.; The Lucille Lortel Foundation and Amica.

Photo Credit: Diane Sobolewski