TERRE HAUTE —
Winning a kiss from a major pop star is the dream for any teenage girl. That dream will come true tonight through Saturday in the Terre Haute North High School Music Department’s musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” The production features close to 70 students in the cast, orchestra and technical crew. These talents have combined to create a rockin’ show that will leave the audience dancing well after the final curtain.
Opening night is tonight at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, with other performances at 7 p.m. Friday, and at 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8. Tickets can be pre-purchased by contacting Director Michelle Azar at Terre Haute North at 812-462-4312. Tickets will also be available at the auditorium box office starting 45 minutes before each performance.
The school is at 3434 Maple Ave.
“Bye Bye Birdie” tells the story of Albert Peterson (junior Isaac White), the agent and songwriter for teen music star Conrad Birdie (sophomore John Sponsler). Birdie is inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley. He is drafted to serve in the U.S. Army in 1957, adding stress to Albert’s job.
“I have always loved Elvis and that style of music. Playing a character inspired by this music icon is very powerful. I’m having fun with it,” Sponsler said.
Other features of the story are a budding love romance between Albert and his sweetheart secretary, Rosie Alvarez (junior Makenzie Smokstad). “I love this musical because the music is so exciting. I definitely love rock ’n‘ roll music. I’m looking forward to opening night to hear the crowd’s reaction to our show,” Smokstad said.
Rosie hatches a plan to have Conrad record and debut a song before he is sent overseas. She makes Albert promise to give up on his music business to become a school English teacher, his true passion. They plan to have Birdie sing Albert’s new song “One Last Kiss” and give one lucky teenager a real last kiss on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
This lucky girl is Kim MacAfee (senior Emily Ferrell) from Sweet Apple, Ohio. “I love the comedy and music in this show. This is my last musical at North, and I am so glad I get to spend it with people who love music as much I do,” Ferrell said.
Conrad becomes a guest in the MacAfee house, causing irritation for Kim’s father, Harry MacAfee (junior Josh Tucker). Emotional struggles evolve between Albert and Rosie when his mother, Mae Peterson (senior Rachel Rodgers), tries to break up their budding relationship.
“I chose this musical because it fit the cast’s talents so well. They are very hard-working and have had fun with this show. I can’t wait for opening night,” Azar said. She has been assisted by Cathy Sponsler.
Other key roles include Allison Sherrill as Doris MacAfee; Lucas Davis as Randolph MacAfee; Will Rupert as Hugo Peabody; Emma Sappington as Ursula; Lucy Utterback as Helen; Emily New as Nancy; Carly New as Alice; Gracie Rhodes as Margie; Meredith Egan as Penelope; Matt Jenkins as Harvey Johnson; Taryn Ashley as Gloria Rasputin; Jared Wells as Mayor of Sweet Apple; Sierra Sawtelle as Mayor’s Wife; Lane Sullivan as Reporter; AJ Contramaestre as Maude, and Jillian Turner, Ella Tanoos, Hunter and Grant Morrison as the Kids.
Members of the Sweet Apple Teenagers include Alexa Baeiszadeh, Andrew Colbert, AJ Contramaestre, Stephen Cornwell, Hope Deckard, Adaire Ervin, Justine Gibson, Madison Morrison, Adam Neese, Allison Payonk, Allison Quick, Allissa Quick, Hannah Smith, Caitlin Spier, Austin Utter and Matt Vaughn.
The Sweet Apple Adults feature Kaylee Ettleson, Catie Grady, Becky Hunter, Morgan Schloegel, Marissa Tipton and Taylor Zoleske.
The backstage crew supporting this show includes Jacob Cannon, Gabby Comelleri, Brittany Duffer, Susie Edington, Samantha Ginoplos, Rebekah Hamersley, Tyler Henning, Shania Hood, Kenna Jenkins, Nathan Lewis-Cole, Kasy Long, Alisha Ludwig, Vance Martinez, Eric Roberts, Abigail Sherrill, Austin Theisz, Anna Tilstra-Smith, Elizabeth Trausch, Lani Troxel and Krislyn Williams. The dance choreographer is Austin Seeley, while Jacob Wooden is the vocal coach and Erin Caldwell is the set designer.
Members of the pit orchestra are Marena Bennett, Celia Colter, Cavin Edwards, Josh Fulk, Arlington Hayne, Nikole Higgins, Cindy Jiang, Drue Lemont, Kasy Long, Andrew Mathies, Zach McCloud, Topper Nail, Dylan Newkirk, Douglas Rourke, Tim Smith, Hannah Thomas, Jacob Wheatley and Andy Williams. Mark Carlisle is directing the orchestra, with Kurt Perry being the accompanist and David Gibbs playing the synthesizer.
For more information about the show, persons can contact Azar at Terre Haute North at 812-462-4312 or mka@vigoschools.org.
Bash
Terre Haute North students present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ tonight
- Bash
-
-
Banks of the Wabash Festival kicks off
The 2013 Banks of the Wabash Festival, scheduled May 23 through June 1 in Fairbanks Park, celebrates 40 years along the banks of the Wabash River, 30 under the sponsorship of the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department.
-
Community Theatre concludes season with ‘Social Security’
Community Theatre of Terre Haute’s main stage season finale opens this Friday, with the hit Broadway comedy “Social Security,” directed by Sonni Crawford.
-
Singer-songwriter Aly Tadros to perform at The Verve
Although she calls Brooklyn, N.Y., home, singer/songwriter Aly Tadros has spent the last decade traveling (and touring) across Egypt, Turkey, Canada, Mexico and nearly all of Europe in an attempt to coalesce the diversity that is being both Egyptian and Texan, both a performer and a songwriter. Next on her list is Terre Haute. Tadros will be playing at The Verve on Friday.
-
Experience Cosmic Walk May 25 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods
Enter into a journey of wonder with a symbolic walk through the unfolding of the universe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
-
Indiana State Museum to host out-of-this-world exhibition
It’s the last weekend in May, and Indianapolis is playing host to the immensely popular, vividly imagined blockbuster exhibition highlighting life in “a galaxy far, far away.” Beginning Saturday, the Indiana State Museum will host Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination.
-
Community Theatre to stage auditions for ‘8: The Play’
Community Theatre of Terre Haute will stage auditions for its summer performance at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Titled “8: The Play,” this readers-theater play is a peek inside the trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the federal court case for marriage of homosexual couples.
-
The Van Dell’s at Opry May 25
The Van Dell’s will take the stage at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Boot City Opry.
-
‘Fighting for Toby’ benefit coming up
A benefit for 13-year-old Toby Apple will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Stumble In, at 1863 E. Illinois 133, in Hindsboro, Ill. Kids are welcome.
-
Art and River Chatter continues; learn about the river through poetry, song
Art Spaces Inc.-Wabash Valley Outdoor Sculpture Collection and Our Green Valley Alliance for Sustainability continue the series of informal conversations titled Art and River Chatter as part of 2013 Year of the River.
-
Theater listings: May 23, 2013
May 31-June 29 — “ZANNA DON’T,” at Theatre on the Square Main Stage, Indianapolis, times vary. Tickets: $25, $20 seniors/students/active-duty military, www.tots.org.July 5-July 27 — “FLESH & BLOOD,” at Theatre on the Square Main Stage, Indianapolis, times vary. Tickets: $25, $20 seniors/students/active-duty military, www.tots.org.
-
Luau for Literacy set for June 6
Fifty Shades of Leis — A Luau for Literacy, an exotic island feast, is set for 6 to 8 p.m. June 6 in the Country Club of Terre Haute at Allendale.
-
Downtown Block Party seeks vendors for Aug. 24 event
Art and nonprofit vendors are encouraged to participate in the Downtown Terre Haute Block Party set for 1 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 24.
-
Sewing Connection features author June 17
The Wabash Valley Sewing Connection will feature author and quilt shop owner Debra Henninger on “The Secret Language of Riding the Rails” from 10 a.m. to noon June 17 in the Girl Scout Service Center, behind the YMCA in Fairbanks Park.
-
Clayshire Castle plans open house May 26
Clayshine Castle will host an open house featuring live belly dancers from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
-
Concert listings: May 23, 2013
TICKET SALES
Aug. 5 — D-PRYDE, at Deluxe, Old National Centre, Indianapolis, 8 p.m. Tickets: $15, on sale 10 a.m. Friday. (*) -
‘Girls Night Out’ May 30 at The Rafters
HI-99 and The Rafters Tavern is hosting “Girls Night Out” at 7 p.m. May 30 at the Tavern at 2918 Wabash Ave.
-
Bowling event to support education, literacy
Bowl your way to an afternoon of fun and prizes while promoting education and literacy for people in West Terre Haute and surrounding communities.
Keep the Ball Rolling bowling fundraiser is set for 1 to 8 p.m. June 23 in the Terre Haute Bowling Center at 600 E. Springhill Drive. -
Colts Tailgate Tour to make stop June 18 in Terre Haute
The Indianapolis Colts will kick off their 2013 Fan Fests and Tailgate Tour schedule at Harrison College in Columbus on June 4. The 2013 Summer Tour schedule marks the 10th consecutive year the Indianapolis Colts have hosted a traveling marketing campaign featuring players and cheerleaders.
-
Art Gallery in Rockville announces summer art classes for kids, adults
The Gallery in Rockville will offer classes throughout the summer. A variety of topics will be covered, most lasting two to four days. All will be conducted in the renovated second floor, which offers plenty of room and great lighting.
-
Eastern Illinois University’s Tarble Arts Center offers summer children’s classes
Summer children’s art classes at the Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University, begin June 10. All courses are open to both Tarble Arts Center members and non-members, with Tarble members receiving a 20 percent discount on course fees.
-
Museum listings: May 23, 2013
ART SPACES INC., 669 Ohio St., info@wabashvalleyartspaces.com
May 23 — Art and River Chatter, “What Does Art Have to do With Rivers? Part II”, presenters Mark Minster and Tom Roznowski, 5:15 p.m., Logan’s Rib-Eye Restaurant, 100 S. Fruitridge Ave.
Call 812-235-2801. -
‘A Song for Indiana’ to raise money for Dresser sculpture
Art Spaces will present “A Song for Indiana – The Paul Dresser Project” at 5:30 p.m. on June 6 at the Holiday Inn of Terre Haute.
-
Sign up for Community School of the Arts classes
Summer is the perfect time to enroll children and teens in theater and visual arts and music classes at the Indiana State University Community School of the Arts.
-
Travel to Marshall Public Library for summer reading activities, prizes
A good book is a window into another place, another time, another life. Join the Marshall Public Library’s summer reading journey, “Have Book Will Travel!”
-
Gaslight Art Colony to showcase artist specializing in Japanese works
Gaslight Art Colony will present the artwork of Mary Jo Maraldo at the gallery at 516 Archer Ave. in Marshall, Ill., Saturday through June 8. An artist’s reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. CDT Saturday at the gallery.
-
Dancers, vocalists to raise money for Special Olympics Indiana
A+ All Star Productions/School of the Dance and vocalists from Community Theater’s Fall Production of “Hairspray” will be performing together to raise money for Special Olympics Indiana at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Tilson Auditorium on Indiana State University’s campus.
-
The Ash Brothers to perform at Opry
Alabama fans are going to like what they hear this Saturday night at the Boot City Opry.
-
Country Rhodes Fish Fry planned
Full Gospel Assembly of God will be having a Country Rhodes Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. May 25 at the North Terre Haute Firehouse on Park Avenue.
-
Valley students showcase talents at Children’s Art Exhibition in Illinois
The 31st Children’s Art Exhibition is currently on view at the Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University, through May 26.
-
Enjoy Bluegrass In The Park
Union Christian Church will host “Bluegrass In The Park” at 6 p.m. on June 2 at the Larrison Pavilion stage at Deming Park.
- More Bash Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Today in History May 24
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
ShowBiz Minute: Pickler, Franklin, Potter
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
