St. James Theatre returns to stage with 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Posted July 10, 2022 11:00 pm

Submitted by Kate Costello

The Quartet encourages Rosie (Linda Andrews) to talk to Albert, during a rehearsal of St. James Theatre's production of "Bye Bye Birdie." Courtesy of St. James Theatre

Excitement is building for St. James Theatre Productions.

This weekend the Arlington Heights-based community theater group will open its first musical since the pandemic began - "Bye-Bye Birdie."

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 14 and 21; Fridays, July 15 and 22; Saturdays, July 16 and 23; and 2 p.m. Sundays, July 17 and 24, at the St. James Parish Center, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road. Tickets are $12-$18; to purchase, visit www.stjamestheatre.org/tickets/.

The plot of the show is inspired by the 1957 drafting of Elvis Presley into the army, much to the dismay of his many rabid fans.

While the show is set over 60 years ago, it explores the timeless conflict of parents and their rebellious children. This is epitomized in the lyrics "Why can't they be like we were, perfect in every way?" from the song "Kids." Other catchy tunes include "Put on a Happy Face" and "Got a Lot of Livin' to Do."

Most cast members are from the Northwest suburbs and range in age from 7 to 74.

"This show is a community," said Bridget Dillon of Arlington Heights, who plays uber-fan Ursula Merkel. "I have reconnected with old friends, and made many new ones. I love it."

Information is available at stjamestheatre.org, by emailing producer@stjamestheatre.org or calling (224) 345-7199.

Her hometown cheers Kim McAfee (Olivia Clarke of Arlington Heights) before "One Last Kiss," during a rehearsal of St. James Theatre's production of "Bye Bye Birdie." Courtesy of St. James Theatre

The teens of Sweet Apple dance to "Honestly Sincere" during a rehearsal of St. James Theatre's production of "Bye Bye Birdie." Courtesy of St. James Theatre

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