The Windmill Theatre Players are bringing a Tony Award-winning play to High River.

The mayor’s wife Edna, played by Heather Avis, is dragged off stage by a Sweet Apple resident, played by Richelle Flitton. Edna had been swooning over Conrad Birdie in Windmill Theatre Players’ production of Bye Bye Birdie. photo by Bruce Campbell

Bye Bye Birdie, which says a big hello to the rock ‘n’ roll sounds of the 50s, opens at the Highwood Memorial Centre in High River starting Nov. 19.

Heather Avis, who plays Edna, the wife of the Mayor of Sweet Apple, the fictional small town setting of Bye Bye Birdie, said all generations should appreciate the musical even though the music emanates from the rock ‘n’ roll heydey of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Chubby Checker.

“I think it’s going to be a good play to appeal to most ages, there will something in it for them whether it’s the costumes or the style of music,” said Avis.

Bye Bye Birdie won the Tony Award for best musical in 1961 and follows an Elvis-like figure, Conrad Birdie, who decides to give a fan club member one last kiss before going off to war.

Taryn Mader, a first-year member of the Windmill Theatre Players, is part of the play’s chorus. She said the young high school-aged cast understands the 50s era music despite not being born until after Elvis died.

“I mean it’s all pop culture, they all know it. It’s great to see them getting involved with it,” said Mader.

The cast has been practicing three nights a week since September and with opening night fast approaching Mader said she is feeling some nerves.

“I’m just realizing that it’s coming up pretty quick and we only have a couple run throughs left until we start,” said Mader.

Avis’ character swoons over the handsome young Birdie when he comes to town. A role Avis said is small, but fun.

Avis is also feeling the jitters as opening night approaches.

“There’s always nerves, absolutely. But it’s just exciting to finally get it to the full production and to be able to put our costumes and makeup on and really feel the characters,” said Avis.

Neither cast member has been a part of a Bye Bye Birdie production previously but Avis does have a tenuous connection: her brother was part of a high school production of the musical. The Alberta High School of Fine Arts in Okotoks did Bye Bye Birdie as part of their Main Stage program recently.

Bye Bye Birdie will have a two-week run at the Highwood Memorial Centre ending with an evening performance Nov. 28. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $15 or $12 for students and seniors.

Dinner theatre performances take place Nov. 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27. Tickets are $45 or $35 for children 14 and under. The doors open at 6 p.m. A Sunday matinee is scheduled for Nov. 22. All tickets are $12 and the doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie opened on April 14, 1960 starring Dick Van Dyke, who also starred in the 1963 film adaptation, as Albert Peterson.

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