Kathy Taylor (as Mrs. Mae Peterson) from left to right, Justin Labelle (as Albert Peterson), *Nicolette Montana (as Rose Alvarez) *Appears by permission of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

From left to right: Kathy Taylor (as Mrs. Mae Peterson), Justin Labelle (as Albert Peterson), *Nicolette Montana (as Rose Alvarez)
*Appears by permission of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

Standing Room Only Theatre Company in association with Music Legends Live presents Bye Bye Birdie. This musical production will be staged October 24 – November 2, 2014 at the Shedd Theatre, Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215.

Ricky Locci (as Conrad Birdie), Kelly Hogan (as Kim MacAfee)

Bye Bye Birdie, directed by David Bahgat with musical direction by Jeff Hamm, and choreography by Zoe Lathan, tells the story of Rock ‘n Roll legend, Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley), who receives a draft notice to serve in the army. As part of a publicity stunt, he travels to the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio to sing one last song and plant one last kiss on a lucky member of his fan club. This musical with book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams, It has been adapted into a 1963 film, a 1995 TV-movie, and a recent 2009 Broadway revival.

Show times and dates are 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24; 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25; 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26; 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31; 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1; 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.

Tickets for all shows are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (55+), $15 for SRO members, $10 for students, and $15 for adults and seniors for the 10:30 a.m. Friday, performances. Tickets can be purchased by going to the website at www.srotheatre.org. Discounted group tickets (10+ people) are available. For group sales, or further information, leave a message at 614-258-9495.

Avery Bank (as Helen) from left to right, Harriet Brennan (as Suzie), Madeline Bolzenius (as Alice), Katie Wagner (as Margie), hanging upside down is Cara Corrigan (as Deborah Sue) , Margaret Hall (as Nancy), *Cherish Myers (as Ursula Merkle) *Appears by permission of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

From left to right: Avery Bank (as Helen), Harriet Brennan (as Suzie), Madeline Bolzenius (as Alice), Katie Wagner (as Margie), hanging upside down is Cara Corrigan (as Deborah Sue), Margaret Hall (as Nancy), *Cherish Myers (as Ursula Merkle)
*Appears by permission of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

Diahann Carroll Joins Denzel Washington in ‘Raisin in the Sun’ Revival

Diahann Carroll at the Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills on June 12, 2013.

(Diahann Carroll at the Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills on June 12, 2013.)

This, my dearest darling readers, is the stuff of my DREAMS! All my favorite actors on the stage at the same time?! Bliss. I was lucky enough to see Denzel Washington in his Tony Award winning role in August Wilson’s’ Fences (And I was right next to Halle Berry too, on opening night!), so I am happy to see him once again returning to the stage. Of course, Ms. Carroll needs absolutely NO introduction; to say I swoon over this woman would be putting it mildly. She has been such an inspiration. And Sophie and Anika too?! I can’t even handle it I adore them both.

For the past few years I have applauded Broadways attempt at diversifying the stage–at bringing together talented actors of color in popular and poignant plays. This, is what theater can be, what theater should be. I will never forget the first time (or second) I saw a play with an all Black (well, mostly) cast–I was in Stratford-Upon-Avon at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the summer I graduated from University (culturally diverse theater is QUITE difficult to come by here in the Midwest). They were showing Richard III and I sat in awe the entire time; so shocked that a play could and did have Black actors in starring roles; not neglected to the sidelines or the comic relief of any other stereotype we are often regulated to. It’s such a rare thing (which is incredibly sad), and the last thing I expected to see in the United Kingdom (perhaps I was not giving the UK as much credit as it deserved?). Most recently, I was lucky enough to attend the RSC’s all Black production of Julius Caesar, and that, too, changed my life forever. And speaking to the cast afterward only solidified that I am in the right business, I am doing the right thing–supporting the work of African-American artists; encouraging those that are unsure. Advocating for change, creating opportunities and providing guidance.

So, like the good little theater goer (fan girl) I am, I shall be sat there, opening night, beaming.

Love

BCM

Official Playbill Announcement Below

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