This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 21, 2011 - Sweet Apple, Ohio, is a quaint, quiet town; and Kim MacAfee is a typical all-American girl, wanting to break out of the bindings of childhood. Her town is shaken, though, and so is her life when the rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie comes to town.
In high-energy, poodle-skirt '50s fashion, Pattonville High School presented a fun rendition of Bye Bye Birdie.
As the play opens, singing sensation Conrad Birdie has been drafted, and his agent, Albert Peterson, plans one last publicity stunt in an effort to get Birdie's company out of debt before the singer goes off to war. Birdie will give "One Last Kiss" to an all-American girl -- Kim MacAfee -- in an all-American town -- Sweet Apple, Ohio. However, tensions are high in various storylines as Albert keeps his secretary, Rose Alvarez, waiting for him to pop the question after eight years, and Kim's steady, Hugo, fights his jealousy over Kim kissing Conrad.
The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the vocal and acting talents of freshman Anna Pirrie in the role of Rosie Alvarez. Pirrie belted out the most difficult notes with confidence and showed believable emotion when on stage with her co-star, Albert Peterson, played by David Robinson. Robinson displayed strong vocals as well, and also he seemed comfortable on stage. His acting talents clearly portrayed a frazzled manager at times and then a hopeless romantic in other scenes.
Erica Ream made the most of her short time on stage as Gloria Rasputin, displaying grace and pure talent in her tap-dancing number. Ream also stood out among the ensemble as one of the best. Also of note were Nate Bassman, in the role of Harry MacAfee -- who kept the audience laughing, and Sam Decker as Conrad Birdie, who portrayed an Elvis-like figure with his strong vocals.
The show displayed numerous positive technical aspects, as well. Though the ensemble seemed a bit large in number, the stage's large size was utilized to the fullest. The sets were breathtaking -- the MacAfee's house could not have been more accurate, with a complete kitchen, upstairs, and downstairs view. Though there were several sound issues, costumes were accurate with the 50s era for the most part and make up was tastefully done.
The high energy of the performers made Pattonville's stage a showcase of theatrical talent. Though not without imperfections, Pattonville's production of "Bye Bye Birdie" treated the audience to a fantastic representation of 1950s America in a laughable, entertaining light.
About the Cappies
The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater - known as Cappies - was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.
St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.
This year, 16 schools are participating, producing 32 shows. Some 195 student critics will write nearly 1,000 reviews of the productions.
At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.
The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some of the reviews.
Sarah Hinds is a high school student.