The Knight's Scroll

Wall Intermediate School's Production of Bye Bye Birdie

by Juliette Jarmon

March 10 and 11 of 2023 WIS’s cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie performed to four sold-out audiences. There were six total performances. One special VIP student performance during period 9 on March 9, one teacher performance the same day, and four performances available to anybody who bought tickets.

The cast of Bye Bye Birdie had been rehearsing since late October of 2022. Rehearsals would span from 1-3 hours, getting longer throughout the process. The crew had only started rehearsing two weeks prior to opening night. 

The story takes place in the 1950s-60s and is inspired by Elvis Presley. A famous singer named Conrad Birdie is being drafted to war. His manager, Albert Peterson, decides to have a raffle and choose one special girl for Conrad to kiss before he leaves for war. Kim MacAfee is chosen. She is a 15-year-old girl living in Sweet Apple, Ohio and is the president of the Conrad Birdie Fan Club. Her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody, isn’t so fond of the idea of her kissing another boy. After a lot of drama, Conrad is sent to war and Albert lives happily as an English teacher with his wife, Rosie. 

Auditions took place in October 2022 and the rehearsal process started shortly after. Music and staging rehearsals would take place on Mondays and Wednesdays and choreography rehearsals would take place for two hours after school on Fridays. The crew would apply and they wouldn’t have to come to rehearsals until two weeks before the show. With the crew rehearsals came the auditorium. Cast members had not practiced in the auditorium at all until two weeks before opening night. Cast had previously practiced in both 321, Ms. Rad’s room, and the cafeteria. There were two Saturday rehearsals, the two Saturdays before the show. They were six hours each. Students (both cast and crew) stayed after school until 6:00 PM during Tech Week. The rehearsal process was long and sometimes tedious, but it all came together in the end and a beautiful show was created along with fun memories.

Thursday before opening night there are two private shows. The teacher performance and a new VIP student performance. Each cast or crew member got to pick one person (that wasn’t in the show) to watch the first act during period 9. The chosen person was informed and went to the auditorium once period 9 started. The teacher performance is something we’ve done for a while at WIS. The teachers got a free performance of the full show and they could invite their families. 

Before we knew it, it was opening night. The cast got ready in their assigned dressing room and crew sets up microphones, lights, set, and props. High school volunteers helped out with hair, makeup, props, backstage, and everything else. Ms. Rad and the choreographer, Brendan, watched the show and made notes for us to make our performance even better for the next show. Mr. Ryan helped backstage with the larger props. Once everybody was ready and the audience arrived, the show began. 

After all four shows, a cast and crew party was held in the cafeteria. The eighth graders had speeches (a lot of people cried) and there was food and drinks and dessert for the cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie to enjoy. 

Overall, WIS’s production of Bye Bye Birdie was a fun experience for the cast, crew, and their audience. Next year will be just as fun!