By Barry E. Moore
Executive Editor
Garner Magnet High School continues to provide theater patrons with well-produced and lively productions of old classics that are just as relevant today as when they were first introduced. “Bye Bye Birdie” is no exception.
Set in the late 1950s, Conrad Birdie is the rock star of the moment, and kids are crazy for his sound, looks and charm. The play, although fictional, borrows from events in the life of Elvis Presley. Birdie, just as the real-life Elvis, is drafted into the military. His manager, who is losing money after having invested everything in Birdie, hatches a desperate plan to throw a farewell party where some lucky girl gets a kiss from Birdie live on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The kiss is Birdie’s last as a civilian.
But true to life, the young lady’s boyfriend is anything but happy or amused by it. But everything turns out well to send theater patrons home with a warm, nostalgic feeling.
The student actors of the drama class at GMHS did themselves proud with this production. The music section was equally up to the task, and the behind-the-scenes workers made the whole production worthwhile.
If you didn’t get to see this production, you missed something special, but don’t worry: the GMHS Drama Department has more in store. Check out garnerhs.wcpss.net for how you can get in on future productions and how you can support the program.
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