The Fort Zumwalt North Panther Players will present Bye Bye Birdie on Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18 at 7pm each night. Early bird tickets will go on sale March 23rd for $12. The regular ticket price of $15 will start April 6th.
Tickets can be purchased at https://fznpantherplayers.ludus.com, or at the box office the night of the show. At the box office, credit card orders will only be accepted through the Ludus app using the patron’s phone. The box office can accept cash and check only.
A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie (William Harris) has been drafted, and his manager, Albert Peterson (Gavin Nobbe), is frantic. Albert's long time secretary and girlfriend Rosie (Julia Pirondi), who wishes he would quit show business and become an English teacher, comes up with an idea - send Conrad to Sweet Apple, Ohio to All-American girl Kim MacAfee (Sophia LeFors) for a very public farewell kiss. Conrad and his entourage descend upon Sweet Apple and turn the town upside down.
Will Albert ever leave the company and get away from his mother, Mae Peterson (Riley Snow)? Will the teens of Sweet Apple stage a rebellion? Will Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee (Evan Nigus and Shayla Johnson) and the adults of Sweet Apple ever understand the modern generation? Featuring a tuneful high-energy score and a hilarious script; Birdie is sure to be a fun-filled night.
Additional Cast Members include Cameron Hadley (Randolph), Vincent Fox (Hugo), Katie Heisler (Ursula), Ethan Brocious (Harvey), Kaylee Matthews (Alice), Savannah Lowe (Deborah Sue), Nora Pokhrel (Penelope Ann), Kira Branham (Suzie), Zoey Breneman (Margie), Avery Moyer (Nancy), Jess Heath (Helen), Devyn Watson (Girl 1), Ben Marsek (Fred/Maude), Max Tjaden (Karl/Lee), Breyonna Blake (Charity), Cali Nanney (Sad Girl), Cody Miller (Mayor), Molly Rosner (Edna), Cheyenne Philpott (Phyllis), Ori Krapf (Mrs. Merkle), Sage Chant (Traveler), Elayna Bell (Reporter), Zade Olson (Reporter/Gloria), Jayden Gittemeier (Policeman) and Cooper Melvin (Mr. Johnson).
Technical Crew Members include Theresa Nigus (Director), Lorie O’Leary (Technical Director), Stacy M. Harris (Music Direction/Choreography/Costume Design), April Nigus (Assistant Director), Xen Gormley (Stage Manager), Artemis Clark (ASM Music/Sound Board), Adam Kreienheder (ASM), Nevaeh Opperman (Light Board), Matt Myers (Spot Op), RJ Warren (Spot Op), McGregor Pickett (Deck Crew Chief), TJ Cote and Kealy Remley (Prop Masters), Abby Reinke, Elliott Walker, Elena Miller, Ren Neier (Deck Crew), Jazmin Garcia (Head of Wardrobe), Ein Garcia (Head of Hair/Makeup), Emerson Nutter, Alykz Geiger, Parker Allen (Wardrobe Crew), Lexi Fox (Publicity), Keegan Phillip (FOH Manager), Leyla Hossenlopp, Kayleigh Grow, Addison Faulkner, and Leah Woodruff (Ushers).
Orchestra Members include Rick Padgett (Conductor), Mrs. Carla Baruzzini-Cooper, Mrs. Kathy Fenske, Eliza Carney, Rose McDonald, Ava Fanning, Ethan Walker (Reeds), Nathan Kerlen, Colin Donnay, Conner Besselman (Trumpet), Gavin Davis (Horn), Andrew Wersching, Landon Temm (Horn), Max Steinmeyer, Rohhan Praveen (Percussion), Mr. Rob Gleason (Piano), Mrs. Debby Ketchum (Guitar), Ms. Emily Satterfield, Evie Lubiewski (Violin), and Ethan McMinn (Cello).