NSMT Announces 'Bye Bye Birdie' Cast

Return to a simpler time with BYE BYE BIRDIE, the ultimate feel good musical, when it lands on the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) main stage.  Winner of four 1961 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, BYE BYE BIRDIE runs July 15 to August 3, 2008.

"Given that BYE BYE BIRDIE is a story primarily about teenagers, we are thrilled that we have been able to cast some of our most talented local youth in the show as part of the ensemble and showcase the immense talent that comes from our local communities," said Barry Ivan, NSMT's Artistic Director and Executive Producer. "What is fascinating and timely about this 1961 Tony® Award-winning musical is how its theme is relevant in today's society regarding paparazzi and our fascination with pop icons."

BYE BYE BIRDIE revolves around rock 'n' roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley), who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the army. Featuring a book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, comic complications ensue when, as part of one last publicity stunt cooked up by his agent, he promises to give a good-bye kiss to one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio, on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The upbeat score features "How Lovely To Be a Woman," "The Telephone Hour," "Put On A Happy Face," "A Lot of Livin' To Do," and "One Last Kiss."

BYE BYE BIRDIE stars Bianca Marroquin as Rose and James Patterson as Albert, Birdie's manager.  Marroquin will be stepping into the shoes of Albert's longtime secretary and love interest fresh off a run as merry murderess Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago.  Her other theatrical credits include Rent, The Phantom of the Opera, and the national tour of Chicago. Marroquin also originated the role of Carmen in the revival of the Tony® Award-winning Broadway hit, The Pajama Game. Patterson has been seen on Broadway and in touring company productions of Beauty and the Beast and State Fair, in the national tours of Cats (Munkustrap), and in regional productions of White Christmas (San Francisco, St. Paul) and Mame (Kennedy Center). Patterson has Massachusetts ties as he is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and Tufts University.  Eric Ulloa is featured as rock 'n' roll crooner Conrad Birdie and has been seen starring as Patrick opposite Sandy Duncan in Mame (Barrington Stage), as Jacob in Shenandoah (Human Race Theatre), Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (Fulton Opera), and Anselmo in Man of La Mancha (North Carolina Theatre).

The cast of BYE BYE BIRDIE also features Ari Butler (Hugo Peabody), Madeleine Doherty (Doris Macafee), Mary-Pat Green (Mae Peterson), Alessa Neeck (Kim Macafee), and Malden native Robert Saoud (Harry Macafee) and Winchester native Adam Piispanen (Randolph Macafee). The ensemble includes Edward M. Barker, Jeremy Benton, Joe Bowerman, Shavanna Calder, Elizabeth Clinard Gina Duci, AJ Hughes, Laura Irion, Swampscott native Andy Jones, Charlie Logan, Paul Miller, Peter Mills, Mara Newbery, Ellen Peterson, Scott P. Sambuco, Dawn C. Tucker, and Kirstin Tucker.

The 39 member cast will also showcase 13 local youth performers from area communities:  Bethany Boccia (Beverly), Victoria Brandano (Rowley), Eva Rae Costanza (Burlington), Erica Courtney (Danvers), Alex DeLeo (North Reading), Corey Desjardins (Andover), Brian Dillon (Dracut), Rachel Fairbanks (Chelmsford), Samantha Mason (Salisbury), Wendy Mellin (Andover), Nicole Soriano (Middleton), Jessica Starbard (Lynn), and Trisha Whitlock (Concord). Costanza, DeLeo, Desjardins, Dillon, Soriano and ensemble member Jones are former students of NSMT's Academy of Music Theater, an award-winning theater arts and education program for youth.

Michael Lichtefeld will be making his NSMT debut as both Director and Choreographer for the production.  A theater veteran, Lichtefeld has choreographed numerous Broadway productions, including Little Women, The Secret Garden, The Sound Of Music, and Sweeney Todd and has also been nominated as best choreographer for The Drama Desk Award, The L.A. Ovation Award, and three Outer Critic's Circle Awards.  The creative team will also include Ann Shuttlesworth (Musical Director), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Kimberly Wick (Costume Designer), Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly,  (Wig Designer), Geoff Josselson (Casting), Joe Bowerman (Associate Choreographer), Laurie Silipigno (Production Stage Manager), and Alicia Reese (Assistant Stage Manager).

Tickets for BYE BYE BIRDIE are priced from $77 to $40. Senior & Youth Discounts and Rush Tickets are available. As a non-profit organization dedicated to making theater accessible to all families especially during this difficult economy, special "Rock n' Roll Back" ticket prices of $35 to $25 will be offered on Tuesday or Wednesday evening performances (this special offer is limited to availability and not valid with other offers). Also check out www.nsmt.org for special ticket packages including "Family Package" (free popcorn and soda for each family member with the minimum purchase of four tickets), "Date Night" and "Girl's Night Out" (ticket packages may not be combined with any other discounts). Performances are July 15 – August 3, Tue – Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm.  For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Additional Free Audience Enrichment events: Meet the Theatre, post-show audience discussion with the artists on July 22 after the 7:30 pm performance and August 2 after the 2 pm performance; Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance on July 27; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception on July 31.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually.  NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs.  NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and The Moss Hart Award.  NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

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