Though the 1963 does have 2 members of the original 1960 Broadway production: Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde, numerous changes were made to the film's plot... including expanding the role of Kim MacAfee to showcase up-and-coming hot tamale' Ann-Margret. As with most film adaptations of Broadway musicals, several songs were cut from the film and are heard in the current Broadway revival. Also, the famous "Bye Bye Birdie" theme song, which many are too familiar with, was not in the original 1960 Broadway production -- it was written for the 1963 film adaptation. It is now included in the current Broadway revival at the end of the show including the curtain call.
Disregard any of the negative comments you've read on here. I've seen the revival. It is INSANELY fun and entertaining. Will it bring world peace? No. Will it entertain you? Yes. Even the audience is responding to it incredibly well. Incredibly well. I went expecting to see the show many described on this board. I dunno... but I went ape-**** over it. "Honestly Sincere" was pure INSANITY!
If your mom loved the film... she will LOVE this revival. Its a completely different element a stage production over a film version, but at least she'll be seeing BYE BYE BIRDIE with the songs that were written for it and left out of the film adaptation. Yes, Rose's dance numbers have been left out -- legendary dancer/actress Chita Rivera played Rose in the original 1960 Broadway production, so for all the obvious reasons... it featured her in several dances. Those were eliminated for Gina Gershon's Rose in the current Broadway revival.
I LOVE THIS REVIVAL and hope to see it a few more times. Can NOT wait for the damn Original 2009 Broadway Cast Revival Recording to be released. This revival will definitely get one.
