Lewiston High School’s Centre Stage Ensemble will perform the Tony Award winning musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” this weekend at the Lewiston Middle School auditorium.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24. A matinee will also be held Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m.

Set in the late 1950s, “Bye Bye Birdie” follows the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock ‘n’ roll teen heartthrob, loosely based on Elvis Presley. When Conrad is drafted into the army, his managers devise a publicity stunt. Before he is scheduled to leave, Conrad travels to Sweet Apple, Ohio, where he sings one final song on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and gets a goodbye kiss from a girl chosen from his fan club.

The small town full of colourful characters quickly becomes filled with chaos as crazed teenagers, a jealous boyfriend and spotlight-stealing father make for an exuberant good time.

The musical includes classic songs such as “Put On A Happy Face,” “Kids,” and “The Telephone Hour.”

“Bye Bye Birdie” stars Sam Gagnon as Conrad Birdie, his agent Albert Peterson, played by Dylan Avila, and his secretary and girlfriend Rose Alvarez, played by Mackenzie Richard.

The rest of the cast includes MaKenna Nichols as Kim MacAfee, Kaitlyn Esposito as Mrs. MacAfee, Robert Shepard as Mr. MacAfee, Brock Rancourt as Randolph MacAfee, Hailey Martlock as Mrs. Peterson, Alex Beaulieu as Hugo Peabody, Joe Glen as policeman and Maude, Zach Morin and Jacob Morin as reporters, Logan Morin as sad girl, Noah Lemay as the mayor, Brianna Remeika as mayor’s wife, Lisa Loisel as Mrs. Merkle, Abby Medina as Gloria Rasputin, Angela Beaulieu as Mrs. Johnson, Olivia Deschenes as Alice, Renee Shannon as Margie, Jordy Dushime as Harvey Johnson, and Emma Skat Skov as Deborah Sue.

Playing the Sweet Apple Shriners are Noah Lemay, Adam Libby, Joe Beck Poland, Joe Glen, Zach Morin and Jacob Morin. The ensemble includes Logan Morin, Myolene Gelinas, Jayme Loisel, Renee Shannon, Mina Tucker, Sylvia Kane, Alexis Madore, Ariana Vallee, Noah Lemay, Brianna Remeika, Aura Crowell, Adam Libby, Joe Glen, Jacob Morin, Andre Levi, Zach Morin and Joe Beck Poland.

The play is directed by Richard Martin, with Aaron Logue serving as producer. Darren Avery is the musical director, Jenna Nelson is band director, Melissa Guimond is choreographer, Paula Masselli is props manager, assisted by Jody Dube, and Karen McClure-Richard and Mackenzie Richard are handling costumes.

Sarah Greaton is the stage manager and Abby Medina is the assistant.  The stage crew includes Travis Turner, Katie Laslie, Kayla Harding, Hailey Martlock, Veronica Day and Lizzy McNally.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students/seniors and are available at the door. Lewiston Middle School is located at 65 Central Ave.

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