Bye Bye Birdie From Oceanside Youth Theater Camp Opens This Weekend

OCEANSIDE, CA — Get ready for Opening Night at the theatre! Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) presents Bye Bye Birdie (Young Performer Edition) at the historic Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside from August 5-7, 2022. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

A delightful musical featuring 32 local youth performers from across North County, Bye Bye Birdie is the story of a small town rocked by the presence of pop star and heart throb Conrad Birdie. When the military drafts Birdie into the war, his fans are devastated - none more so than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie can perform on television to a lucky fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim MacAfee declared the winner, but trouble ensues as no one anticipated the reaction of Kim’s boyfriend, Hugo.

“Summer camp is always an enjoyable learning experience for us and the campers,’” said Youth Theater Camp Directors Sharon and Anna Duchi. “Kids of varied ages learn to work together to create something wonderful. The best part for us is watching the growth from day one to the last day of this four week camp... it's a truly magical experience.” Oceanside Theatre Company seeks
to provide an inclusive experience for campers with six scholarships granted to attend this year’s camp.

The theater camp’s young actors, who range in age from eight to 18, were thrilled with how much they’ve expanded their repertoires in preparing for the show. “I’ve definitely learned how to step out of my comfort zone with characters that don’t match up with me as much,” said Lorelei Krone, who plays Rosie in the show. “I like learning how to act and step out of one little box or typecasting, so it's pretty fun to do that.”

Preparing for Bye Bye Birdie has also helped Hannah Kohl, who plays Mrs. Peterson, overcome her anxiety. “With theater, you kind of have to get over it, because if you’re going to go out there and perform, you can’t be an anxious wreck…I just tell myself it’s going to be ok and I don’t have anything to lose if I mess up!”

Written by Michael Sewart with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams, Bye Bye Birdie is filled with so many catchy tunes, it’s hard for the actors and crew to agree on a favorite.
“My favorite part of the show is probably ‘English teacher,’” votes Antonio Cayler who plays Conrad Birdie, “just because I think it’s such a fun song and really shows Rosie’s personality and it’s kind of the opening song, so it sets the mood for the rest of the musical.”

Star Sanders, camp counselor and assistant to the directors, has her own opinions, “My favorite part of the show is the song ‘Rosie.’ Sadly, it is the last one, but it’s just so sweet and soft sounding and it’s really, really cute and you definitely have to come see it!”

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and are available online at www.oceansidetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 760-433-8900.

Located in the heart of downtown Oceanside, the Brooks Theater (217 N. Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054) is the cultural center point of this North County region, uniquely recognized as only one of 14 inaugural Cultural Districts designated by the State of California.

About the Creative Team:

SHARON DUCHI – Director / Musical Director
Sharon has a Masters in Education from Old Dominion University. She was the Artistic Director of Act One Community Theater in Temecula for over ten years, and has directed, musically directed, and produced numerous award-winning productions, including Shrek, RENT, and Little Women the Musical. Youth Theater was a regular component of the theater’s annual productions. Miss Sharon has enjoyed performing in many theater venues and vocal groups. Some of her favorite roles include Sr. Hubert (Nunsense), The Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing…), and Joanne (Company).

ANNA DUCHI – Director / Co-Choreographer
Anna has served as Director and Choreographer for OTC’s Youth Outreach Program in Spring 2019 and Fall 2019. She has a degree from Humboldt State University in Theatre Arts and Dance and worked on numerous Youth Theater productions at the Act One Community Theater in Temecula. Her experience includes serving as Choreographer for Jefferson Middle School, performing at SeaWorld San Diego, and performing at Legoland in Carlsbad. She was most recently seen onstage in OTC’s Sweet Charity.

To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org