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Arts & Entertainment |
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For many students here at Allderdice, as well as high school students around the country, springtime means musical time. After the long months of preparation throughout the winter, spring is the time to put in those last long rehearsals just before opening night. Taylor Allderdice has selected “Bye, Bye, Birdie” as the 2007 musical. "Bye, Bye, Birdie" tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock star in the 50s, who receives a draft notice from the army. As a last effort to make money off his premier client, Birdie’s manager, Albert, signs Birdie up for the Ed Sullivan show. It is there that one girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio is chosen to give Birdie a kiss before he leaves for war. The musical follows all the damaging consequences of Albert’s greedy scheme for money and fame. The role of Conrad birdie will be played by sophomore Matt Cummings, and Birdie’s agent Albert will be played by senior Alex Carmine. Other principles in the play include Rachel Shapiro, Arielle Kroser, Jon Schrech, Becky Levitan, Kieran Fevola, and Jessica Savitz. The first round of auditions was held in November, and then call backs were held in December. “In December [those students who were called back] were given lines and music from the play based on the characters we wanted them to play,” said Dr. Bernadine Srocki, 10th grade English teacher and the director of musical for the last four years. “Our entire cast consists of at least 50-60 kids,” Srocki adds. Srocki admits that grade level does have some effect on the selection process, but that talent, specifically in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting, is the most important factor. Srocki is assisted by student directors Rachel Shapiro, Brian Dunn, and Cheryl Lebowitz. Senior Shapiro not only plays a principle role and serves as assistant director, but is also helpful in choreographing some of the musical's dance numbers.Shapiro has been involved with the musical since her freshman year. She has also participated in the JCC musical the past two years. With the dual role of performer and director, Shapiro says the musical is a big time commitment. “We have had rehearsal every day since the first week of February. We also have fundraisers and Saturday rehearsals during the spring,” said Shapiro.
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Allderdice Pulls Together to Make Spring Musical a Success |
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By: Ellen Spolar |
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The Allderdice Foreword An Award Wining Publication |