The Martensville High School Choir students have been busy preparing for their production of “Bye Bye Birdie”, which will be taking place November 3rd and 4th. Under the direction of Mrs. Mary Lou Beck, the group is working tirelessly to ensure their performances for the award-winning musical comedy is going to be perfect. “Bye Bye Birdie” takes place in the late 50s and is based around a famous singer named Conrad Birdie who is about to be drafted into the army, but before going, his manager organizes one last publicity stunt in which Conrad will give one last kiss to one lucky fan, Kim MacAfee. “This musical showcases excited teens and their lives when a major music star comes to their town. There are many beautiful scenes and amazing musical numbers,” Kara Leier explained. According to Grace Hoppe, the musical will be fi lled with lots of drama, heartbreak, love and forgiveness, “not to mention catchy songs that I can’t manage to get out of my head no matter how hard I try. It’s going to be a wild ride, that’s for sure.”
For those attending, they will be treated to an evening of colorful costumes and carefully planned choreography, which will make them feel like they are travelling back in time. The costumes, which have had a lot of time and care put into them, will be sure to dazzle. The poodle skirts were handmade by an MHS EA, who had all of the female students that get to adorn them ‘oooing’ and ‘ahhhing’ over the designs. The remaining wardrobe was carefully selected throughout closets at home, and various thrift stores. “A lot of work has gone into creating the costumes for this production. Everyone has worked very hard,” stated Cole Zacharias, who will be playing Albert Peterson, the owner of a music company and manager of Conrad Birdie.
Preparation for the musical began before the students left for summer holidays, and upon returning to school in September, they immediately began putting in time perfecting their lines. Currently, the students are practicing four days a week before and after school, as well as during lunch.
Anticipation is building amongst the cast and crew as opening night edges closer. “We are so excited to see how the audience will react to our show,” Cassidy Funk, who will portray Rosie Alvarez, secretary and girlfriend to Albert Peterson, said.
When asked about some of their favorite moments so far about being involved in the performance, students had a hard time naming just one, but a common theme was apparent. “I love performing and getting to spend time with an amazing group of people,” said Kate Jalbert. Mia Novecosky had a similar thought, “I enjoy how close the cast has become. We’re like a family!” Chanelle Poulin agreed, “I love to sing and dance and spend time with my choir pals.”
For those interested in attending, performances will take place each evening at 7pm in the MHS Theatre. Rushed seating tickets are available at the main offi ce of MHS, located at 150 Mike Sands Blvd. You can contact the school at (306) 931-2230. Adult tickets are $10.00 and student tickets are $6.00. Come out to support the Martensville High School Choir students and enjoy an amazing, high-energy show!
