Vibrant ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ Still Strikes a Chord of Laughter

“Bye Bye Birdie” pokes fun at Americans’ obsession with TV, among other subjects. So it was mildly ironic when the new TV version of the musical comedy drew low ratings and critical pans.

However, the Music Theatre of Southern California (at the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium) reminds us that a strong staging of “Bye Bye Birdie” still creates rich laughter. Though the satire in Michael Stewart’s book and the Lee Adams-Charles Strouse score was aimed at a particular moment 36 years ago, media hype and teen idols haven’t vanished, parents continue griping about kids, and strong women still cope with wishy-washy men.

Using Peter Larkin’s breezy sets from the recent Tommy Tune tour, director Bill Shaw assembled an effervescent production. Lise Simms’ Rose articulates every word and movement with effortless savvy. John Crawford Vaughan’s Albert Peterson has a square face that plays into pre-’60s cartoon imagery, but Vaughan steps lightly, avoiding caricature. Ann Peck’s Mae Peterson doesn’t do the same, but that’s appropriate for this mad, maternal martyr.

Alberto Stevans’ Birdie exudes mock charisma. Sarah Ramsey-Duke’s Kim is cute, especially when she tries not to be. Stephen Grant Reynolds huffs and puffs with abandon as her father.

* “Bye Bye Birdie,” San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends July 28. $15-$34. (818) 308-2868, (213) 480-3232, (714) 740-2000. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.