Today In Theatre History

I've been a theatre fan for as long as I can remember. It all started in the third grade, when my music teacher Mrs. McNees told us the story of the Von Trapp's. You probably know them better as the family from Rodger and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Anyway, after telling us their fascinating story, she told us that the film version was going to be on television, and that we should watch it. After I got home that day, I told my Mom all about it. However instead of being happy that I was taking an interest in watching something besides cartoons and The Brady Bunch, she looked me right in the eye and said, "Do you know how long that movie is Jamie? Three hours. And there is no way you will be able to sit still for that long.".

I love my Mom, but when somebody tells me I can't do something, you better believe I will do everything in my power to do it. Long story short, I didn't get up from my seat the whole time. Not even to use the bathroom. I guess I loved it huh? Now I know what your're thinking, "What does this have to do with today's blog"? Well, as I mentioned at the beginning, I have been a huge theatre fan since the third grade. Unfortunately, I didn't get up the nerve to audition for the school musical until 8th grade. The show? Bye Bye Birdie, which opened on April 14, 1960. That's sixty-years for you mathematician's out there.

The show, which won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical of the Year, starred two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera as Rosie, and Emmy Award winner Dick Van Dyke, who won a Tony Award for his performance as Albert. Since the original production, it has been revived only once in 2009, where it starred John Stamos and Gina Gershon. That version however was not a success, and closed after three months. Here's hoping that we will eventually get a top notch production in the future. With all the drama in the world right now, a feel good musical like Bye Bye Birdie might be just what we need. Stay safe everyone, and don't forget to look out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
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