Lyric Stage in Irving knocks it out of the park with their current production of the 1960's stage musical, "Bye Bye Birdie." It's a funny, refreshing, well-staged revival about a small mid-west town invaded by an Elvis Presley-style singer named Conrad Birdie. It's a town filled with high school boys and girls linked by gossip and telephones.
The kids in the production, all local, are terrific, with big-time voices, including Mary Mcelree as Kim, the girl chosen to receive one last kiss from the rock star. Conrad's agent, Albert, is played with smooth confidence by Steve Barcus, and his secretary, Rose, is played by Catherine Carpenter Cox; they carry a big part of this first-rate production. They sing, they dance, they do it all, and they do it quite well. Also look for veteran Mike Gallagher as Mr. McAfee, his comedy timing is perfect and his character is fondly reminiscent of the great Paul Lynde.
Director Cheryl Denson has created a joyful night of theatre that is both innocent and accurate. "Bye Bye Birdie" should make you smile and reminisce about the 60s, especially when Conrad Birdie finally sings, and the ladies faint. Lyric Stage has earned the reputation of working on the highest professional level, and this production of "Bye Bye Birdie" proves the point.
E-mail: gcogill@wfaa.com
