'Bye, Bye Birdie' flies in Orem | The Salt Lake Tribune

Musical theater • The era of rockabilly and true love comes to life in SCERA's musical ode to the early days of teen idols.

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Loving stage-drama paeans to the era of Elvis and the emerging American archetype of the rock 'n' roll idol don't come more loving than "Bye, Bye Birdie."

Inspired in part by The King's own military service during our nation's time of conscription, the drama finds rock 'n' roll singer Conrad Birdie all packed up and ready to fight, until his manager conspires to find his charge a new song, and the loving heart of a longtime fan. Using a cast of almost 40 from Acting Up, the audition-only troupe of Utah's best young acting talent from across the state, SCERA's production of this popular musical is directed by wife-and-husband team Kathryn and Howard Little.

Christian Wawro plays Conrad Birdie with Megan Hill as Rosie, Maren Wilson as Kim MacAfee, Cody Whitlock as Albert and Brennon Schow as Hugo Peabody. "I decided we needed a show where people could sit down, smile and just have fun watching this parody of teen idols that is truly done with the fondest affection," Kathyrn Little states in press materials for the production. "As a totally appropriate family show, I hope everyone leaves the auditorium happy."

bfulton@sltrib.com

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Rockabilly drama rocks SCERA

When • March 23-April 7; Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.

Where • SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State St., Orem

Tickets • $6-$8. Call 801-225-ARTS or visit www.scera.org for more information.