Hello Birdie

Drury Lane Theatre closes out its 2016-16 season with a staging of this classic American musical. Written by Michael Stewart, who would later pen both Hello Dolly! and Carnival, Bye Bye Birdie took its inspiration from Elvis Presley's 1958 draft into the army. The show's score was provided by Charles Strouse (Annie) and lyrics came courtesy of Lee Adams (Applause). This new production features brand new choreography by Drury Lane regular Tammy Mader, who also directs.

Bye Bye Birdie was one of the defining musicals of the early 60s. Incorporating the booming rock 'n' roll scene into its storyline with cultural touchstones like Ed Sullivan and a thinly veiled take-off of Elvis, it premiered on Broadway in 1960 and won four Tonys, including one for its biggest name star Dick Van Dyke. Three years later and it was adapted for the silver screen, with Dyke Van Dyke reprising his role alongside Janet Leigh and Ann-Margret. Among its best known numbers are the title track, Honestly Sincerely and How Lovely to be a Woman.

What is Bye Bye Birdie About?

It's 1958 and America's most famous rock 'n' roll singer, the bequiffed and hip-shaking Conrad Birdie, has just been drafted into the army. Looking to squeeze every last cent out of his star before he leaves, Birdie's manager organises one final publicity stunt. Conrad will pick one high school girl at random and give her one last kiss live on the Ed Sullivan Show. The lucky girl is Kim McAfee, of Sweet Apple, Ohio. As Conrad heads to her hometown, this sleepy midwestern community has no idea of the frenzied media circus which is about to strike.