Luna Romero, 6, Margit Tess Romero, 8, and Lola Barbalat, 9, are the Port Washington thespians in the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center theatre group’s presentation of Bye Bye Birdie on Aug. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m.
A satire on American society in 1958, Bye Bye Birdie focuses on the chaos that ensues as chart-topping rock star Conrad Birdie is drafted by the U.S. army. Desperate for a publicity stunt to help manager Albert Peterson and longtime love Rose Alvarez survive Birdie’s departure, the couple send Conrad to small-town America to place his goodbye kiss on lucky fan Kim MacAfee—for the entire world to see.
The retro musical is filled with famous songs, such as “Put On a Happy Face,” “Kids” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.”
Since June 30, nearly two dozen talented cast members of 5-to-14-year-olds have spent two hours each Monday through Thursday evening on the stage rehearsing for the upcoming performances.
“Our theatre programs are the place for kids to develop their talent and gain confidence while having the time of their lives as they bond with peers who share their passion,” said Susan Kalman, the JCC’s Theatre Arts Director.
This year’s cast is comprised of five sets of siblings, including Port Washington sisters Margit Tess and Luna Romero.
