Middlesex Middle School put on its winter production of Bye Bye Birdie recently, playing to sold-out audiences over multiple days.
Fifth graders from across the district had a sneak peek at the show during a daytime dress rehearsal. The tradition of bringing the soon-to-be rising 6thgraders began last year, and has drummed up support and enthusiasm for the program, said teacher Katie Lindquist, who directed the middle school production.
Photo from the DPS News of the Week newsletter
The cast of Middlesex Middle School’s production of “Bye-Bye Birdie”
With a cast and crew of over 130 students, the show proved to be one of the most spectacular productions ever to cross the middle school’s stage. The show was produced by Lily Morgan, choreographed by Colleen Amirsakis, musically directed by Ruth Lettera, costumed by Amy Raskopf, and set designed by Timothy Sorensen.
Bye Bye Birdie is the story of Conrad Birdie (played by Pace Flaherty), a rock star crooner from the 1950s who has been drafted in the Army.
His producer, Albert (played by Luke Ryan), and his cunning secretary, Rosie (played by Morgan Moir), devise a plan to have Conrad bestow “one last kiss” on a young fan from Sweet Apple, Ohio, Kim MacAfee (played by Ella Bates).
Hilarity ensues as Albert’s mother (played by Virginia Shelton), Kim’s family (played by Nicky Condon, Camille Benson, and Cian Levine), and Kim’s jealous boyfriend, Hugo (played by Patrick Thurlow), muddy up the plan.
In the words of 8th grader Pace Flaherty, “The play has been a fun experience-you get to make new friends!”
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— Marc Marin is district director of instructional technology. This article is republished from the Darien Public Schools News of the Week newsletter.