How well do you know the musical Bye Bye Birdie? This beloved Broadway classic has a fascinating history, from its original title 'Let's Go Steady' to its connections with the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Test your knowledge of Bye Bye Birdie trivia, from its Tony Award-winning debut on Broadway to fun facts about its adaptations in film and TV. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the show, there's always something new to discover!
Adaptations
- Jennifer Lopez was set to star and produce in NBC's 'Bye Bye Birdie Live' originally scheduled for 2017 but was repeatedly delayed.
- The 1963 film adaptation of 'Bye Bye Birdie' made significant changes to the plot, including altering Albert's career from a music agent to a chemist and songwriter.
Musical Composition
- The original Broadway cast recording of 'Bye Bye Birdie' was released in 1960 by Columbia Masterworks.
- In the 1995 TV movie adaptation of 'Bye Bye Birdie', the song 'Bye Bye Birdie' was rearranged as a quintet performed at a soda shop.
- Bye Bye Birdie's song 'One Last Kiss' was featured prominently as part of a publicity stunt involving the main character giving a 'last kiss' before being drafted, all on live television on The Ed Sullivan Show.
- The song 'Kids' in the 1963 film was performed in the MacAfee kitchen featuring several main characters including Mr. MacAfee and Albert.
- In the 1963 film adaptation of 'Bye Bye Birdie', key songs such as 'An English Teacher', 'Normal American Boy', and others were omitted.
Production Facts
- The character of Rosie Alvarez was originally meant to be Rosie Grant, but was changed to Alvarez, and played by Chita Rivera after Carol Haney and Eydie Gormé turned down the role.
- The 1981 Broadway sequel to 'Bye Bye Birdie' called 'Bring Back Birdie' closed after only four performances.
- The 1995 TV movie reintroduced the song 'Baby, Talk to Me' to the musical lineup and moved 'Spanish Rose' earlier in the story.
- Bye Bye Birdie was originally titled 'Let's Go Steady' before being renamed after the character Conrad Birdie, a play on the name of Conway Twitty, a real-life rock 'n' roll rival of Elvis Presley.
- The original Broadway production of 'Bye Bye Birdie' opened on April 14, 1960, and ran for 607 performances before closing on October 7, 1961.
- The original script was overhauled by Michael Stewart after initial dissatisfaction from director/choreographer Gower Champion, leading to a total rewrite that shifted the musical's focus.
- 'Bye Bye Birdie' has become a popular choice for high school and college productions because of its adaptable cast size and numerous ensemble numbers.
- The original 1960-1961 Broadway production of 'Bye Bye Birdie' won a Tony Award and was followed by several major revivals, a film in 1963, and a 1995 television adaptation.
- The show's creator, Edward Padula, envisioned the musical as a 'happy teenage musical with a difference' before the final rock-and-roll singer concept was developed.
- The character Conrad Birdie in 'Bye Bye Birdie' was inspired by Elvis Presley, particularly his drafting into the Army in 1957, which caused a significant media stir.
