Ianiv & I were invited to attend the opening night of the Theatre Under the Stars production of Bye Bye Birdie. The show runs on alternating nights at 8pm in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl, alternating nights with their other production, Anything Goes.‘

Both live theatre productions feature local actors on the open-air stage, ready to engage you in the whole production. From flying beach balls to doing the twist, this isn’t your regular theatrical experience.

I hadn’t seen Bye Bye Birdie before last night, despite it being a classic for many high schools. Honestly, I never attended any of my high school’s plays (unless you count being in the orchestra for Fiddler on the Roof). That aside, it was a fun production. It’s not the calibre of a production like Wicked, but you will have fun. Bye Bye Birdie was an easy story to engage in…

Inspired by Elvis Presley and his draft into the Army in 1957, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of a teen rock sensation, Conrad Birdie, drafted into the Army. The story weaves in that of his manager, Albert Peterson, whose financial success depends on the rock star and whose girlfriend, Rosie, is desperate for him to quit the business after he makes it profitable, become a teacher and get married. This all depends on making one last hit song for Conrad, “The Last Kiss”, which has him deliver one last kiss to a fan in Sweet Apple, Ohio. We also follow the story of this fan, Kim MacAfee, and the dynamics of her boyfriend, family and friends. The music is fun and upbeat and the acting drew you into the story.

Some recommendations for the best TUTS experience:

• Know how to get to Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park (map here)
• There’s food! We didn’t know this, so scarfed down a dinner before. Wish I’d noticed that.
• Wear or bring a jacket
• Bring a blanket, if you want to be extra cozy
• Warm beverages are available (coffee, hot chocolate, etc), or you can port in your own thermos
• You can sit in the assigned seats or bring a blanket and set yourself up on the hill
• Porta-potties only. Be prepared.
• The show is as long as most theatrical productions, complete with intermission. Expect to be out late, under the stars!
• Have fun!

Tickets for Theatre Under the Stars’ productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes can be found here. You can follow their Facebook page for updates on both productions.