Jessica Grove to headline Bye Bye Birdie!

I am excited too! I can't figure out why she only gets understudy jobs on Broadway--I have heard her sing and she is great.

Thanks for the sarcasm, but I think you know what I mean. Not many people know about Jessica Grove----if you say her name, people won't have a clue who she is, and if you remind them that she played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz on tour, they still may not remember her. And her roles on Broadway were both ensemble/understudy roles- you don't get a lot of publicity for those. This would be her first leading role in a Broadway related event.

This is what I meant. And although you already knew what I meant, you've successfully made me take out an extra minute or two out of my day to explain myself to you, a man with nothing else to do but bother others on this board, and one who already knew what my intention was by my initial statment.

I knew what you 'meant,' of course but I don't know how you could say it with a straight face. There aren't a lot of huge parts for girls her age (other than some stuff in 'Hairspray,' I imagine but, really, she's not one of those 'types' specifically and would probably get another smaller part in that show) and, well, 'Birdie' is the first real opportunity for her to get a part like this and, golly, she seems to have been 'discovered' first time out of the gate. Again.

I'm sorry if you have to explain who Jessica is when talking to your other theater friends. Life can be quite a burden sometimes.

"And for anyone who wants to stay on-topic, more information about Jessica is available at http://www.jessicagrove.com. "

Even though about half the site says "coming soon"?

I love Bye Bye Birdie. I have to see this show. Especially with Jessica as Kim.

I hate this musical after performing in it. Too happy, cheery, corny for me...the storyline is very boring, also.

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I posted this days ago...

This news should make gherbert very happy.

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Kim is perceived to be a lead role only because Ann-Margaret made an indelible impression in the otherwise bland and generic movie (bewigged Janet Leigh warbling lamely as a feisty Latina? "Paul Lynde to block?") The role of Kim is more like Penny in "Hairspray" -- rewarding, but second fiddle to characters with more central story focus. Personally, if you're gonna revive this creaky warhorse, best left to high (and middle) schools ... I'm ready for a "Birdie" that highlights ... a real Birdie. Find us an Elvis.

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I know that the site isn't updated very often, but there are awesome sound clips of her in "Notre Dame de Paris", "The Wizard of Oz" and another Christmas Pops concert. The site also has some great pics as well.

The show is cute; not the most thought provoking piece of course, but if done right can be an enjoyably humorous evening of theater.

Sadly, if I have one guilty pleasure in the world of campy, frothy old musicals it is the story of one Conrad Birdie.

Curse my soul but I love this musical.