Watch the birdie
They're too young to have seen the original Broadway show, which opened in 1960, or the release of the movie in 1963, but for six local teens, "Bye Bye Birdie" is today's reality.
The six are among 13 young actors performing in the musical at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly Tuesday through Aug 3.
"Given that 'Bye Bye Birdie' is a story primarily about teenagers, we are thrilled that we have been able to cast some of our most talented local youth in the show as part of the ensemble and to showcase the immense talent that comes from our local communities," said Barry Ivan, artistic director and executive producer.
"What is fascinating and timely about this 1961 Tony Award-winning musical is how its theme is relevant in today's society regarding paparazzi and our fascination with pop icons."
The story is about a rock 'n' roll star, Conrad Birdie - loosely based on Elvis Presley - who visits an Ohio town for his final performance, and to give a goodbye kiss to his biggest fan, before being drafted into the Army.
The score includes "The Ed Sullivan Show," "Put on a Happy Face," and "One Last Kiss."
Performing in the ensemble are Erica Courtney, 18, of Danvers; Samantha Manson, 15, of Salisbury; Bethany Boccia, 18, of Beverly; Nicole Soriano, 16, of Middleton; Jessica Starbard, 16, of Lynn; and Victoria Brandano, 16, of Rowley.
Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; and Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 2 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $77. Call 978-232-7200; visit the box office at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly; or visit nsmt.org.
RAMBLIN' ON: The Backwoods Ramblers are featured at the One World Coffeehouse in Essex Saturday, 8 p.m.
Well known on the Cape Ann music scene, members of the group combine lead and harmony vocals with guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica, to create a blend of folk, rock, and bluegrass music.
The musicians are Barry Michaud, lead vocals and guitar; Jack Schwartz, banjo, vocals, and electric bass; and Pat Conlon, mandolin, harmonica, and vocals.
The coffeehouse is at the First Universalist Church, 59 Main St. Suggested donation is $15. For reservations, call 978-768-7056.
IN LOCAL GALLERIES: An exhibit of the work of the Newburyport Plein Air Painters, who have been painting outdoors together for years, is at the Newburyport Art Association through July 23. The show is of recent paintings on canvas and paper inspired by their adventures together. There are portraits of the artists done by one another, And paintings of the same location, highlighting how each artist interpreted the area. Participating artists are Cynthia Cooper, Joan Hancock, Susan Jaworski-Stranc, Margery Jennings, Marjet Lesk, Susan Luca, J.N. MacLeod, Daniel J. Shaw, Ellen Sklar, Susan Spellman, Janet Sutherland, and Jacob Towle. . . . Among the photographs by Judy Robinson-Cox on display at the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester through July 31 are "Lilliputian Landscapes," images of scenes she creates using food and model train figures. There also are photos from the Gloucester Waterline series, paper collages, and three-dimensional photographic assemblages of the Fort area of Gloucester. . . . The Bridge Gallery in Newburyport celebrates its second anniversary with a gala party open to the public Saturday, 5-7 p.m. On display is an exhibit called "Bridges," plus a retrospective of posters advertising the gallery's past shows. Music is provided by flautist Carey McGovern and guitarist Charles Doran.
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