BYE BYE BIRDIE is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. It tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie
Bye Bye Birdie
Bye Bye Birdie is a stage musical with a book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse. Originally titled Let's Go Steady, Bye Bye Birdie is set in 1958. The story was inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the Army i…
What is the movie Bye Bye Birdie about?
A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss.
What makes Bye Bye Birdie so special?
Teenagers, rock & roll, and national television – Bye Bye Birdie captures the energy and excitement of the late 1950s with warmth, hilarity and an exuberant score.
What year is Byebye Bye Birdie set?
Bye Bye Birdie is a stage musical with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams, based upon a book by Michael Stewart . Originally titled Let's Go Steady, Bye Bye Birdie is set in 1958.
Who is the girl in Bye Bye Birdie?
Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for teens, and a hilarious script, Birdie continues to thrill audiences around the world. Professional Artwork Available for Your Production of Bye Bye Birdie!
What is the summary of Bye Bye Birdie?
When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson (Dick Van Dyke), whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert's longtime girlfriend, Rosie (Janet Leigh), pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee (Ann-Margret) declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.Bye Bye Birdie / Film synopsis
What happened to Bye Bye Birdie live?
' “Bye Bye Birdie Live” won't be taking flight on NBC until 2019 at the earliest. NBC's planned live event production of the classic musical with Jennifer Lopez in the lead role has been delayed for a second time due to the difficulty of coordinating with Lopez's busy schedule, Variety has learned exclusively.
Is Bye Bye Birdie based on a true story?
The story was inspired by the phenomenon of singer Elvis Presley being drafted into the United States Army in 1957. Jesse Pearson plays the role of teen idol Conrad Birdie, whose character name is a word play on country singer Conway Twitty, who was, at that time, a teen idol pop artist.
Was Elvis supposed to be in Bye Bye Birdie?
Executives approached Presley to star in the film and he considered it, but his manager nixed the idea because it would have been self-parody. Instead, Jesse Pearson, who played Birdie in the national tour, reprised the role onscreen.
Is Sweet Apple Ohio a real place?
The fictional town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, the backdrop of Columbus High School's presentation of “Bye Bye Birdie” may seem familiar to anyone who's stayed a moment in a small town. There's club signs indicating the local veterans and civic organizations.
Did Ann Margret do her own singing in Bye Bye Birdie?
The opening sequence, like the movie, is all about Ann-Margret, singing the title tune and leading into the credits in director George Sidney's Bye Bye Birdie, 1963.
Is Bye Bye Birdie a satire?
BYE BYE BIRDIE is a satire done with the fondest affection. It gives an insight into the everyday life that is very much part of us all. It is the tops in imagination and frivolity; a show that will be enjoyed by the cast as much as the audience.
Is Conrad Birdie supposed to be Elvis?
Conrad Birdie was a parody of Elvis Presley, and the musical was based upon the furor that arose from Presley's being drafted in 1958.
Who is Mrs Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie?
Maureen StapletonMaureen Stapleton: Mama Mae Peterson. Jump to: Photos (3)
How did Elvis feel about Bye Bye Birdie?
When the film adaption of Bye Bye Birdie was being cast, the producers approached the King to play the part. By some accounts, Presley was interested, but his manager Colonel Tom Parker nixed the idea because he felt the parody wouldn't be flattering.
How old was Ann-Margret when she did Viva Las Vegas?
"Viva Las Vegas" At age 23 Ann-Margret starred opposite Elvis Presley in "Viva Las Vegas."
Did Elvis get drafted?
On December 20, 1957, while spending the Christmas holidays at Graceland, his newly purchased Tennessee mansion, rock-and-roll star Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for the United States Army.
How did Elvis feel about Bye Bye Birdie?
When the film adaption of Bye Bye Birdie was being cast, the producers approached the King to play the part. By some accounts, Presley was interested, but his manager Colonel Tom Parker nixed the idea because he felt the parody wouldn't be flattering.
Was there a remake of Bye Bye Birdie?
It is the second film adaptation of the musical, the first being in 1963....Bye Bye Birdie (1995 film)Bye Bye BirdieWritten byMichael StewartDirected byGene SaksStarringJason Alexander Vanessa Williams Chynna Phillips Tyne Daly Marc Kudisch George Wendt Sally MayesComposersCharles Strouse Lee Adams16 more rows
Is Conrad Birdie based on Elvis?
Conrad Birdie was a parody of Elvis Presley, and the musical was based upon the furor that arose from Presley's being drafted in 1958.
Who did most of the choreography for Bye Bye Birdie?
I wasn't a soft shoe type of guy, but I was always a fairly good mover, and everything in Bye Bye Birdie is all moves. The shoulders, the legs. And Onna White, who was the choreographer. It took two weeks to rehearse that, and another two weeks to shoot it.
Bye Bye Birdie, the Musical & Play
Set in 1958, Bye, Bye Birdie, the musical, tells the story of a talent agent, Albert, and his girlfriend, Rosie, trying to save Almaelou Music Company after their star client, Conrad Birdie, gets drafted into the army.
Bye Bye Birdie Characters
"Bye, Bye Birdie" is a musical full of dynamic characters who contribute to the story and plot movement. Below are the primary characters:
What Is Bye Bye Birdie About?
Bye, Bye Birdie is a musical about relationships disrupted by a celebrity's appearance. The main character, Albert Peterson, has just found out that his primary client, Conrad Birdie, is being drafted, an occurrence which has the potential to bankrupt his business.
What is the movie "Bye Bye Birdie" about?
Bye Bye Birdie is a 1963 American musical comedy film based on the 1960 stage production of the same name. The screenplay was adapted from Michael Stewart 's book for the musical by Irving Brecher, with songs by composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams, and a score by Johnny Green. Produced by Fred Kohlmar and directed by George Sidney, ...
What episode does Peggy Olson sing "Bye Bye Birdie"?
In an episode of the television series Mad Men (Season 3, Episode 2), the opening sequence of Bye Bye Birdie is shown (twice), and later Peggy Olson sings the tune to herself in front of a mirror in an attempt to emulate Ann-Margret's appeal as somebody who can "be 25 and act 14", although Ann-Margret was, in fact, 21 at the time of filming, playing 16. Later, in Episode 4, Salvatore Romano directs a knock-off parody of the sequence for a commercial for Pepsi's new diet drink, Patio.
How does Hugo prevent the last kiss?
The film version ends on a brighter note. Hugo prevents the "last kiss" by running out on stage and knocking Birdie out with a single punch on live television. In doing so, he wins Kim's heart, and the young couple is reunited. There is no arrest of Conrad for statutory rape, forcing him to flee in disguise.
What episode does Monica draw a pictorial representation of the movie "Bye Bye Birdie"?
In the popular television series Friends (Season 1 , Episode 18), during a charade-like game Monica draws a pictorial representation of the film Bye Bye Birdie for the remainder of the group to identify; however, nobody can.
What does Hugo feel threatened by?
Hugo feels threatened by Conrad, but Kim reassures him that he is the "One Boy" for her. Rosie, meanwhile, feels that Albert does not appreciate her, so Albert persuades her to "Put on a Happy Face". Albert's mother Mae shows up, distressed to find Albert and Rosie together; Harry is also agitated about the way Conrad is taking over his house and the changes in Kim's behavior. Harry and Mae lament what is wrong with these "Kids" today.
What song is in Wild Barts Can't Be Broken?
In " Wild Barts Can't Be Broken ", an episode of the TV series The Simpsons, the kids, adults and seniors of Springfield perform a musical parody of the song "Kids" from Bye Bye Birdie.
Where is Conrad's farewell performance?
Columbus, Ohio, is chosen as the location for Conrad's farewell performance. The random lucky girl chosen is Kim MacAfee (Ann-Margret), who is thrilled. Kim already has a high school sweetheart, Hugo Peabody ( Bobby Rydell ), who is not so thrilled. The teenagers of Sweet Apple, blissfully unaware of their town's impending fame, are spending the "Telephone Hour" catching up on the latest gossip: Kim and Hugo have just gotten pinned (a tradition where a boy gives a girl his fraternity pin, indicating a serious commitment to each other) and Kim feels grown up ("How Lovely to be a Woman").
What happens when Albert and Rosie head to Sweet Apple?
When Albert and Rosie head to Sweet Apple to prepare for Birdie’s arrival, things start to unravel. Kim’s father is starstruck at the thought of being on The Ed Sullivan Show with his daughter, and Kim’s new steady, Hugo gets jealous at the thought of Kim kissing Conrad on national television.
When was Conrad Birdie drafted?
The year is 1958 , and the much-adored rock-and-roll idol -- Conrad Birdie -- has been drafted into the US army. His songwriter and agent, Albert, and Albert’s secretary and some-time girlfirend, Rosie, hatch a plan for a farewell performance to take place on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they hope will help sell Birdie’s new song “One Last Kiss,” ...
Storyline
Conrad Birdie is the biggest rock & roll star of the 60's ever to be drafted. Aspiring chemist and song writer Albert is convinced he can make his fortune and marry his girlfriend Rosie if he gets Conrad on the Ed Sullivan show to kiss a high school girl goodbye. Albert's mother will do anything to break him up with Rosie.
Did you know
Despite portraying the mother of Dick Van Dyke 's character in the film, Maureen Stapleton is just six months older than Van Dyke.
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By what name was Bye Bye Birdie (1963) officially released in India in English?
Bye Bye Birdie
Winner! Four 1961 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Nominee: Eight 1961 Tony Awards Winner! 1961 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Winner! 1996 Primetime Emmy Award, Outstanding Music & Lyrics
Details
A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss.
Materials
Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
Authors
Lee Adams began his professional career as a journalist, working as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and editor, and radio writer and interviewer. But his life took a sudden turn when his “hobby” of lyric writing led to Bye, Bye Birdie in 1960. This unheralded little Bro ...
Overview
Bye Bye Birdie is a 1963 American musical romantic comedy film directed by George Sidney from a screenplay by Irving Brecher, based on Michael Stewart's book of the 1960 musical of the same name. It also features songs by composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams, and a score by Johnny Green. Produced by Fred Kohlmar, the film stars Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margret, Mauree…
Plot
In 1958, popular rock and roll star Conrad Birdie receives an Army draft notice, devastating his teenage fans nationwide. Despite his doctorate in biochemistry, unsuccessful songwriter Albert Peterson schemes with his secretary and long-suffering girlfriend Rosie DeLeon to have Conrad sing a song Albert will write. Rosie convinces Ed Sullivan to have Conrad perform Albert's song "One Last Kiss" on The Ed Sullivan Show and then kiss a randomly chosen high school girl goodby…
Cast
• Janet Leigh as Rosie DeLeon
• Dick Van Dyke as Albert Peterson
• Ann-Margret as Kim MacAfee
• Maureen Stapleton as Mae Peterson
Musical numbers
1. "Bye Bye Birdie" – Kim
2. "The Telephone Hour" – Ursula and Sweet Apple Kids
3. "How Lovely to Be a Woman" – Kim
4. "We Love/Hate You Conrad" - Kim, Ursula, Hugo and Sweet Apple Kids
Differences from stage musical
Several significant changes were made in the plot and character relationships in the film from the stage version. The film was rewritten to showcase the talents of rising star Ann-Margret, adding the title song for her and dropping songs by certain other characters.
• The name of the character Rosie Alvarez was changed to Rosie DeLeon. In both versions the character is a positive portrayal of a Latina; however, the song "Spanish Rose", originally perform…
Production
According to Ann-Margret, she was cast when director George Sidney saw her dancing while on a date at the Sands Casino on New Year's Eve 1961.
Sidney was so smitten with the rising new star that Janet Leigh was "very upset that all the close-ups were going to Ann-Margret", as Leigh herself was the lead star of the film.
Sidney says originally he was only going to produce and Gower Champion would direct, but Cham…
Reception
As of July 2019, Bye Bye Birdie holds a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 89% based on 28 reviews. The consensus states: "A poppy satire on pop music, Bye Bye Birdie is silly, light, and very, very pink."
Bye Bye Birdie grossed $233,825 in its opening week at Radio City Music Hall in New York, a house record. It was the 13th highest-grossing film of 1963, grossing $13.1 million domestically, earning $6 million in rentals in the United States and Canada.
In popular culture
• In 1964, The Carefrees made a novelty record with a song called "We Love You Beatles" based on the song "We Love You Conrad" from Bye Bye Birdie. Released on the London International label #10614, the song peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. At the base of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, where the Beatles were staying for their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, scores of Beatles fans sang the song out so their voices would reach the band in their rooms up …