Following days of spirited auditions and call-backs, director Frank Marino announced the cast for the spring musical Bye, Bye Birdie this morning. Some 64 students, including singers and dancers, earned their way onto the cast list for this extremely energetic and fun musical comedy that will be performed on February 19-22.

Bye, Bye Birdie was written by Michael Stewart, Lee Adams and Charles Strouse in 1960. Not only has it become one of the most celebrated American Musicals, but also in 1963 it was made into a film starring Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret, and even 60’s teen idol Bobby Rydell. Songs such as "Kids", "The Telephone Hour", and "Put on a Happy Face", have made their way into American Pop Culture, and generate the fun, energetic atmosphere that Bye Bye Birdie is known for.

The plot of the show, borrowing from the explosive talent and popularity of Elvis, focuses in on the role of the Idol in teenage America. Conrad Birdie, idolized by millions of screaming girls, is drafted into war. As a last publicity gimmick, Rose Alvarez, the secretary of Conrad’s Agent Albert Peterson, comes up with the idea to have Conrad kiss a random girl, Kim Macafee on the Ed Sullivan show while singing Albert’s song "one last kiss". Surrounding this core plot are the love interests of Kim and her boyfriend Hugo, the struggles of engagement with Albert and Rose and a town turned upturned with pop idol fever or disgust. The show finally leads up to the crowning moment on the Ed Sullivan Show where the plot shifts, delivering some hilarious surprises. Overall Bye, Bye Birdie with its great songs, dances and 60’s charm, stands as the great pop culture hit delivering non-stop fun and entertainment that anyone could enjoy. Below is the cast list: