Bye Bye Birdie soared onto the Broadway scene in 1960, capturing the cultural phenomenon of rock and roll and the frenzy surrounding teen idols. Though not a direct biographical story, the musical drew inspiration from the real-life draft notice of Elvis Presley in 1957. Elvis's induction into the army sent shockwaves through his legions of young fans, and Bye Bye Birdie cleverly mirrored that national phenomenon.
The show was a collaborative effort by a group of talented newcomers. Charles Strouse composed the catchy music, while Lee Adams and Michael Stewart crafted the witty book and lyrics. Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera brought the story to life in the lead roles. Bye Bye Birdie was a smash hit from the very beginning. Opening on Broadway in 1960, it ran for over 600 performances and garnered critical acclaim. Songs like "Put On a Happy Face" and "A Lot of Livin' To Do" became instant classics, capturing the spirit of the era.
The success of the musical wasn't confined to Broadway. It enjoyed a successful London production and several revivals over the years. There was also a film adaptation in 1963 starring Dick Van Dyke alongside Janet Leigh.
Year | Category | |
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1961 | Best Musical | Winner |
Argyle Theatre is at 34 W Main St, BABYLON, New York.
A Chorus Line (2/1/24-3/24/24)
Grease (7/6/23-8/27/23)
An American in Paris (9/15/22-10/23/22)
An American in Paris (9/15/22-10/23/22)
The newly renovated & historic Argyle Theatre on Main Street in the Village of Babylon, NY, opened in Spring, 2018 with the musical Guys and Dolls, the first show in a full roster of musicals, concerts, comedy and other performances. The theatre offers six annual main stage productions featuring performers from Actors Equity Association, the union for professional stage actors.
Videos
Bent
Nutley Little Theatre (6/14 - 6/29)
PHOTOS
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Woe! Misery! Children's Theater
Clifton Arts Center (5/31 - 6/9)
PHOTOS
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The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
Count Basie Center for the Arts (12/6 - 12/6) | ||
85 Years of Faith and Music: An Anniversary Concert
St. Thomas the Apostle Church (6/23 - 6/23) | ||
Warner Bros. Discovery presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (2/15 - 2/15) | ||
Applause
Players Guild of Leonia (5/31 - 6/16) | ||
One Act Jamboree
StageWorks Theatre Group (7/26 - 7/28) | ||
SOMI: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba
Crossroads Theatre Company (6/7 - 6/8) | ||
New Jersey Symphony at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park (6/26 - 6/26) | ||
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