Edison performing 'Bye Bye Birdie'

MILAN TWP. — The Edison High School Drama Club will present "Bye Bye Birdie" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Edison High School, 2603 Ohio113 E., Milan The Tony Award-winning musical comedy was originally produced by Edward Padula with music and lyrics by Charles Strous and Lee Adams and is based on the book of the same title by Michael Stewart. Please join us on a trip to the 1950s, courtesy of Conrad Birdie (played by junior Ricky Oliver) and the Edison Drama Club. As the curtain opens, we see Conrad Birdie's agent, Albert Peterson (senior Jeff Esser) receiving the news that Conrad is being drafted into the Army. Albert's business, Almaelou Music Corp., is at horrible risk. That is until he and his secretary, Rosie (senior Mary Anderson), thinks up a publicity stunt to make the best of the situation before Conrad joins the Army. Albert will write a final song for Conrad with a special promotion. A Conrad Birdie fan will be chosen at random, 15-year-old Kim MacAffe (freshman Kenzie Bauer) and he will grant her his "One Last Kiss" live on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kim resides in Sweet Apple, Ohio, with her father, Harry (senior Kyle Kardotzke), mother, Doris (freshman Clelia Saflund) and her brother, Randolph (Zeke Rutger and Dylan Gayle). In Sweet Apple, we also find Kim's boyfriend, Hugo Peabody (freshman Alex Lamb) as well as a Conrad Birdie superfan Ursula Merkle (junior Kaira Gulett). Gossip spreads swiftly in such a small town, and when news surfaces that the town will be featured on the Ed Sullivan Show, insanity ensues. Conrad's appearance creates chaos, the MacAffes are in an uproar, and even Albert's mother (sophomore Ilah Reynolds) makes an unwelcome appearance. "This is by far the most entertaining production I have acted in thus far," Esser said. "Everything about it is energetic and hysterically funny, and it has been a pleasure to be able to work with this cast." Added Gulett: "Do you like comedy? Well, this show will have you laughing and feeling like you're in the 50s and are a teenager again. I can't wait to see how the show comes together and put it on for a live audience" Tickets will be $6 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. All ticket sales will be at the door on the nights of the performance as early as 45 minutes before. Seating is general admission.