The Sooner We Say Bye to This ‘Birdie’ the Better

Rarely on Broadway has there been a musical more simplistic than Michael Stewart’s “Bye Bye Birdie,” now at the La Habra Depot Theatre.

In 1960, its interest was as a satiric take on the drafting of Elvis Presley. Here, pop idol Conrad Birdie visits a small town to film a kiss with an adoring teen fan, a farewell to be shown on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The book is cartoon plain, and Stewart’s score, though buoyant and energetic, is repetitive and mostly one-level.

On Broadway the show had Dick Van Dyke, Paul Lynde, Chita Rivera and Dick Gautier. La Habra Depot Theatre has no such edge, and without those winning performances the show’s flaws are even more evident. Outside of a few listenable songs--including “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do”--this revival is a pale shadow of its once-timely brashness.

Director Daniel Halkyard does keep things moving at breakneck speed, with minimal pauses for the complicated scene changes and a valid sense of the play’s comic-strip humor. He understands Stewart’s sitcom view of teenagers and the play’s insistence on a teen’s view of dumb adults. In spite of this, few “Birdie” jokes survive 38 years later, even as nostalgia.

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Talented John Blaylock, an excellent singer, tries his best to pump life into the male lead, Birdie manager Albert Peterson. That his performance seems forced at times is in the blandness of the writing. Lisa Clayton fares better as his secretary Rose Alvarez, with better lines and a decisive and rousing stage presence. Clayton’s belting voice is perfect for the role; she’s the production’s highlight.

Juliana Hansen is cute and delightful as Kim MacAfee, the teen that Birdie is to kiss, and Joanne Taylor as her mother has that ‘50s-sitcom-mom opaqueness. As Kim’s father, David Cramer makes the mistake of doing a run-of-the-mill imitation of Lynde, especially in “Kids,” without individuality or invention.

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In the show’s groove are the frequent appearances of the Teen Trio (Brooke Bucellato, Amanda Loomer, Lauren Stanley) singing “We love you, Conrad,” Stewart’s plug-in solution whenever things get dull. They understand the show’s attitude toward goofy teen fans.

“Birdie’s” dullness is compounded by the performances of Ralph Gorgoglione as Birdie and Vivienne Maloy as a guilt-inducing stage mother. Gorgoglione has a faint pop voice that makes one wonder why the kids are so excited, and his awkward stage presence makes him look uncomfortable in the role. Maloy’s delivery is so lethargic and ill-timed that she misses most of what are supposed to be the big laugh lines.

A show that looks easier to pull off than it is, “Birdie” doesn’t even minimally survive the resources of the Depot.

* “Bye Bye Birdie,” La Habra Depot Theatre, 311 S. Euclid St. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Ends March 7. $10. (562) 694-4264. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

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“Bye Bye Birdie,”

John Blaylock: Albert Peterson

Lisa Clayton: Rose Alvarez

Ralph Gorgoglione: Conrad Birdie

Juliana Hansen: Kim MacAfee

Joanne Taylor: Mrs. MacAfee

David Cramer: Mr. MacAfee

Vivienne Maloy: Mae Peterson

Brooke Bucellato: Amanda

Loomer, Lauren Stanley: Teen Trio

A La Habra Depot Theatre revival of Michael Stewart’s musical. Produced by Leslie Hanstad and Mary Raffaelli. Directed by Daniel Halkyard. Musical direction: Susie Macias. Choreography: Amanda Murphy. Scenic design: Leon Waller, Daniel Halkyard. Lighting design: John Fejes. Costume design: Leslie Hanstad, Mary Raffaelli. Stage manager: Leon Waller.