Bye Bye Birdie Workshop...

[stella985]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 8:49am

I've heard that this is going on at the Roundabout and a bit about who's in it, but I was wondering if anyone knew how it was going or any other details about it? It's happening this week, right?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 9:10am

I think the guy fron "ED".
I could be wrong.

[Popular]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 9:55am

Don't know anything about it except what you two just said. This coming week, and with Tom Cavanagh (and Stephanie, of course).

[FranzRelax]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:47pm

I'm assuming Stephanie will be Rosie in the workshop. Does she have a background in dance? Rosie is ALWAYS played by a strong triple threat. I can't imagine the role being played by a non-dancer. Look at the women who played her in the past - Chita Rivera, Ann Reinking, Vanessa Williams, etc.

[Jon]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:54pm

Tom Cavanagh is perfect casting, but why the hell do we need a revival of Bye Bye Birdie?

[Eos]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:57pm

From what I understand, Stephanie's not a bad dancer. I have a feeling Popular may know for sure.

[FranzRelax]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:59pm

BYE BYE BIRDIE has never been revived. Did THE PAJAMA GAME need a revival? No way. But it was GREAT. Birdie deserves this.

But regarding Rosie - I was really hoping for an authentic latina for Rosie this time.

[Popular]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 1:47pm

Eos - I have yet to see her in a dance heavy role but from what I understand she has had some dance training.

She's played Rosie before so I'm sure she can handle it. I just did a google search and a review from when she did it in Sacramento says she was "nothing short of fantastic".

[Stewpot]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 2:04pm

Has Steve Carell been contacted to play Harry McAfee yet?

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 2:24pm

Who is Stephanie?

[Footlooser]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:16pm

Stephanie J. Block
she was in "The Boy From Oz" and "The Pirate Queen"

now go and hide before the Blockheads read your post and go on a rampage.

[EdmundOG]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:22pm

See, here I was thinking Stephanie D'Abruzzo. Who would be much better.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:01pm

But regarding Rosie - I was really hoping for an authentic latina for Rosie this time.

Couldn't agree more, Franz. I actually think Block is completely wrong for the role, nothing against her talents, just not for this role.

[playbilled]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:08pm

My friend talked to Matt Doyle at the Sping Awakening stage door, and he's playing Hugo Peabody. He said It's Gavin Lee now instead of Tom Cavanaugh. Bill Irwin is in it too as Mr. Macafee!! I don't know anyone else.

[Popular]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:27pm

Thanks for the update, playbilled!

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:31pm

Doesn't anyone else think this show is a little dated? I mean, I listen to Sirius satelite radio and have to laugh when "Kids These Days" comes on. It's so old-fashioned. And I usually appreciate the older musicals that I never get to see but Bye Bye Birdie wouldn't be on my list. Stephanie deserves a better show than this. (I do appreciate her work. I think she's got serious talent. But she needs a better vehicle.)

[playbilled]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:57pm

I'll admit that bye bye isn't the best material ever...but I think if they throw an incredible cast together it could be great. It's one of those musicals that you need to see too (a good production..that is) because it just doesn't read well in recordings. For instance...Telephone hour is hell to listen to!...but if it's performed well with a bunch of crazed piping teenagers...it's HYSterical!

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 5:01pm

I just think the story itself is silly and dated, too. And I've seen it staged albeit an amateur production. And it'd have to be updated big time.

[robbiej]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 5:17pm

It's not dated. It's, at this point, a period piece. Like THE PAJAMA GAME and GREASE.

There is so much good in BYE, BYE BIRDIE that I believe it deserves a first-class production.

[Popular]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 5:23pm

That's exactly what they are doing here, bwaygal. They are testing it out to see if there is anything new and exciting they can do to update it for a revival. If they can't, they probably wont.

There are lots of potential projects that the Roundabout consider and only a few actually get the green light. No need to jump ahead of ourselves. This is a test, it's ONLY a test :)

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 7:35pm

Harrison Chad (yes, he is a teenager now) is Harvey Johnson.
I liked Steph's dancing as LIZA.
And remember she is from Allentown PA.
(Rose, that is)

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 7:38pm

Just maybe we'll see Loretta Swit as Mae Peterson. Just maybe.

[bertandrew2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 10:12pm

"Did THE PAJAMA GAME need a revival? No way."

NO WAY???? What are you missing here? Yes, THE PAJAMA GAME needed and deserved a revival. Great characters. Great score. A book that captures an era. I can go on and on.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 10:35pm

Gavin Lee is a great choice, what they need is a young inspired choreographer.
I think the BIRDIE score is terrific and you just have to accept the book in the period it was written.
And Lee and Brock have enough wattage to work those roles.
And I know it's a joke but Struthers in not too far off as the Mother.
Who's gonna be Conrad?
Someone young and sexy I hope.

Updated On: 8/10/07 at 10:35 PM

[playbilled]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 11:09pm

Matt Doyle (Hugo) said that a guy named Ben Walker is playing Conrad...Never heard of him. Could be another cool up and coming guy.

By the way I love that Gavin Lee is completely following Dick Van Dykes career! haha. Amazing. Updated On: 8/10/07 at 11:09 PM