The spotlight will shine on the golden age of rock ’n’ roll this weekend as Sterling College Theatre presents the musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie at Culbertson Auditorium in Spencer Hall.
Performances are set for Oct. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door — $15 for adults and $5 for students and children.
Directed by Lisa Brown, the production features Sterling senior Caleb Brownlee in the role of rock icon Conrad Birdie — a character inspired by Elvis Presley. Brownlee, a business major with a passion for the stage, said he’s excited to bring the energetic, sometimes mischievous Birdie to life.
“He’s kind of a bit of a sleazeball in the show, but it’s a ton of fun to play,” Brownlee said. “It’s similar to me in the way of how it’s presented, but not how he is — so it’s a challenge to separate who I am from the character.”
A Classic Reimagined
The show — celebrating its 65th anniversary this year — tells the story of a rock star drafted into the Army who plans one final televised kiss with a lucky fan before his departure. Originally starring Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera on Broadway, "Bye Bye Birdie" remains a cornerstone of American musical theater.
Sterling College Director of Arts Dennis Dutton said the show offers both nostalgia and a history lesson. “It’s the first rock and roll musical,” Dutton explained. “It’s a slice of Americana set in the late ’50s, and a lot of fun for audiences of all ages.”
Dutton added that this year’s production has a special connection for the creative team — Music Director Marissa Callan and Choreographer Travis Nesbitt, who performed the lead roles of Albert and Rosie together in high school 25 years ago. “They’ve always wanted to do this show again,” Dutton said. “They’ve brought such passion and energy to it.”
A Talented Cast with Local Ties
The production also features a number of standout seniors, including Noah Swatty as Albert, Mary Little of Hutchinson as Rosie, Morgan Pellegrino of Las Vegas as Kim, and Curt Keegan of Burlington as Mr. McAfee. In total, about 34 cast members will take the stage — including college students, community members, and even a few younger performers.
“Sterling has such a rich tradition in the arts,” Dutton said. “We’ve got multiple generations involved, from elementary students to seniors ready to graduate.”
Community and Collaboration
Dutton, an alumnus of Sterling College himself, praised the strong partnership between the college, Sterling High School, and the wider community.
“The arts are a big part of life here,” he said. “Whether it’s our summer shows, musicals like Forever Plaid, or now Bye Bye Birdie, we have people who love coming together to create something special.”
Brownlee agrees, noting that camaraderie and creativity are what make Sterling’s theater scene thrive. “Even outside of rehearsal, we’ll end up singing or working on sets together,” he said. “It’s just what we do.”