Jessica Grove to headline Bye Bye Birdie!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:02pm

http://www.broadway.com/template_1.asp?CI=35054&CT=38

What did I tell you, folks? The girl is absolutely perfect. When asked who should play Kim, I mentioned this actress and I am thrilled she has the role. She needs to be discovered!!! I'm so incredible happy for her.

[catcher]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:17pm

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.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:22pm

She needs to be discovered? You mean besides being on a national tour in a leading role when she's fifteen (or so) and on Broadway when she's eighteen or nineteen?

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:31pm

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.

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:35pm

I just take exception with the fact that Broadway.com states Jessica Grove is to 'headline' BBB.

No offense to this girl, who I am sure is very talented...but Kim is not the headlining role.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:41pm

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.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 12:54pm

A) I wasn't explaining who she is; that was what you did in your post, listing her credits and such.
B) I don't consider you a theater friend.

I really don't care to argue about her anymore, to be quite honest with you. I'm just thrilled she has the role. And for anyone who wants to stay on-topic, more information about Jessica is available at http://www.jessicagrove.com. There are great photos and wonderful sound clips of her singing in various shows and events.

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 2:27pm

"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"?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 5:03pm

I loved her in The Wizard of Oz tour. I don't care what she does...she's brilliant.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 6:39pm

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

[BreeDaniel]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 6:43pm

You're right robbiej. Absolutely a featured part.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 6:59pm

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

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 7:13pm

I performed this show too, but I loved it. What part were you?

[BWAYROCKS]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 7:17pm

I posted this days ago...

[Phantess]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 7:57pm

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


Me too. I do love Jessica though. She's going to be great...just can't stand the musical.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 9:30pm

This news should make gherbert very happy.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 10:12pm

BWAYROCKS, you are on top of things!!!!

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 10:53pm

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.

[johny0828]

Posted: 3/25/04 at 11:28pm

i can't wait to see this show, i'm just waiting to se who the rest of the cst is before i buy tickets.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 3/26/04 at 9:58am

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.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 3/26/04 at 3:41pm

As usual, i'm going to agree with Robbie and Auggie.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/26/04 at 3:46pm

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.

Posted: 3/26/04 at 4:06pm

The only time I liked this show was when Tommy Tune was in it cause I love Susan Egan and she was in it!