The Oxford Capitol Theatre is once again the venue for a musical production, this time featuring ‘Bye Bye Birdie!‘
The Capitol theatre has had its ups and downs in the 103 years of its existence. As Oxford’s second playhouse (the first being the third-floor stage and projection space above today’s GJDE Enterprises store on Water St., known initially as the ‘Fairyland Theatre’ and later, the “Nickelette”), the Capitol has been a space for plays, films, public meetings, and live music performances.
For the past year, with renewed investment from the Town (which owns the building) and under the direction of the Municipal Physical Activity Leader (MPAL), Marion Abbott, the Capitol has taken on renewed life in the form of musical theatre, featuring local performers.
Friday night, February 13th through Sunday afternoon, the Capitol once again will feature the earnest efforts of young actors and singers, mounting a production of ‘Bye Bye Birdie! (Youth Edition)’.
Billed as “Teenagers, rock & roll, and national television – Bye Bye Birdie captures the energy and excitement of the late 1950s with warmth, hilarity and an exuberant score,” Bye Bye Birdie is “A loving musical send-up of the early 1960s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses all-American girl Kim McAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for kids, and a hilarious script, Bye Bye Birdie remains one of the most popular shows in schools across the country” (Concord Theatricals).
“The play’s book was influenced by Elvis Presley being drafted into the US Army in 1957. The rock star character’s name, “Conrad Birdie”, is word play on the name of Conway Twitty” (Wikipedia).
Bye Bye Birdie is suitable for all ages, though probably best for kids aged six and up.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at the Oxford Pharmachoice / Home Hardware locations.
Abbott, the show’s director and provider of the musical accompaniment, encourages the public to take in the show:
Come support the talent and hard work of the young performers we have in our town! Uplifted spirits are guaranteed!
SHOWTIMES:
- Friday, February 13th, 7:00pm
- Saturday, February 14th, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
- Sunday, February 15th, 2:00pm
All tickets are $10 (cash only). All concession items $2/ea (cash only)
