Broadway Bound Players Fly with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

Nonprofit youth theater company Broadway Bound Players will present “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Colony Theater in Burbank, July 21 through 23. “Bye Bye Birdie” features children from ages four to 18 along with adult actors in a musical designed for the entire family.

When ‘50s pop sensation Conrad Birdie is drafted into the army, songwriter/manager Albert and his long-suffering secretary Rosie hatch a plan for Conrad to give one last kiss to a lucky teenage girl on the Ed Sullivan Show. As everyone descends on the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, the publicity stunt brings increasingly hilarious complications to contest winner Kim, boyfriend Hugo, and of course, the devoted Conrad Birdie Fan Club. Featuring some of Broadway’s best-loved songs — “The Telephone Hour (Going Steady),” “We Love You Conrad,” “What’s the Matter with Kids!” — “Bye Bye Birdie” will delight children and parents alike, and is an ideal introduction to live theater for younger audience members.

The nonprofit organization Broadway Bound Players was established in 2003 to provide a safe, encouraging and healthy atmosphere for children and their families to explore their creativity. Using youth theater as an environment to teach self-respect, confidence and self- expression, BB Players’ promotes artistic growth for all within a family-friendly creative community. Artistic Director Susan J. Thomas brings more than 30 years’ experience in youth theater to BB Players and their 11th production, “Bye Bye Birdie.” “I’m excited to share Broadway Bound Players’ vision of nonprofit youth theater with audiences. Children of all ages are bringing their talents to this classic musical to create a wonderful theatrical experience for the whole family.” Previous successful BB Players’ productions have included “Oliver!,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Music Man.”

“Bye Bye Birdie” will be performed at the Colony Theater, 555 N. Third St. in Burbank, on Fri., July 21 at 7 p.m.; Sat., July 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and on Sun., July 23 at 2 p.m. Reserved seating ranges from $15 to $20 per person and includes child and senior discounts. Tickets and further information are available at the Broadway Bound Players website, www.bbplayers.org.