Bye Bye Birdie
at Los Alamitos

Reviewed on March 8, 2019

Rachel Golkin
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Put on a happy face at Los Alamitos' ‘Bye Bye Birdie'
written by Rachel Golkin, a senior at Mission Viejo High School

Taking their audience back to the classic rock days of the 1950s, Los Alamitos High School's cheery production of "Bye Bye Birdie" tells a delightful tale of teenage mischief and loyal adoration, where true love alone stands the test of time.

The little town of Sweet Apple is turned upside down when one lucky teen, Kim MacAfee (Lizzy Legere), is chosen to give a goodbye kiss to rock ‘n roll sensation Conrad Birdie (Dylan Crane) before he joins the army.

Connor Franzen bursts with charisma as Conrad's neurotic agent, Albert Peterson. His pleasant voice resonates beautifully as he serenades his on-again, off-again lover Rose Alvarez (Alexandria Magana) in "Baby, Talk to Me."

Magana is wonderfully vivacious as Rose. In "An English Teacher," her eyes brim with hope as she dreams her future with Franzen. Later, her impassioned wild side is revealed when she belts out "Spanish Rose" with great ferocity, swinging her hips and taunting the audience with pursed lips and a playful gleam in her eyes. In "Rosie," the heat of the pair's fiery affair finally melts into blissful tranquility as they stroll across the stage, gazing lovingly into each others' eyes.

Legere's Kim is an endearingly insecure teenager in love. Her sweet voice is beautifully genuine when she sings to her adorably nervous boyfriend Hugo (Louie Gallagher). Gallagher brightens the stage when he stomps on in despair over Legere, his squeaky voice and animated pout perfectly capturing his devastating jealousy.

Crane is sincerely fantastic as the arrogant heartthrob Conrad Birdie. Strutting across the stage with his shoulders thrown back, his smug smirk creeps wider and wider as he's pursued by his ever-present crowd of screaming fangirls.

Breanna Pitts' costume design captures all the cheerful vibrancy of the 1950s. When the Sweet Apple teens rush out, the stage becomes a spirited flurry of pastel skirts, the delightful shades of turquoise, yellow, violet, and magenta bouncing along to the upbeat tunes.

Capturing the playful and spirited tone of the show, Victoria Bozanich's lighting design energizes every scene with brilliantly bright hues. In "Telephone Hour," splashes of pink, lime, and sky blue lights flash in perfect time to the music.

Los Alamitos reminds us that true love is timeless; their animated and energetic performance of "Bye Bye Birdie" will make you put on a happy face.

Samantha Melanson
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Livin' For Los Alamitos' "Bye Bye Birdie"
written by Samantha Melanson, a junior at Tesoro High School

Filled with fervent fans girls, protective parents, and a rebellious star, Los Alamitos' "Bye Bye Birdie" is exceptional. Capturing a songwriter's trip to Sweet Apple, Ohio, the story follows his one last chance after his client is drafted into the war.

With a fierceness in her eyes, Alexandria Magana (Rose Alvarez) struts on stage with her resignation. Toes pointed, hands on hips, Magana swirls around and kicks her legs during her powerful performance of "Spanish Rose". Blissfully gazing at Albert Peterson (Connor Franzen), Magana fantasizes about him. Done with taking demands, Magana slams her suitcase into Albert and serves him a piercing glare that cuts into his heart.

Lizzy Legere (Kim MacAfee) charms as the maturing teenager. Learning exciting news, Legere clasps her hands, hysterically screams, and jumps around. Crazy about the teen heartthrob, Legere faints as she swoons over him. Legere's bubbly smile and gleeful giggles create a love-struck aura, but during "What Did I Ever See in Him?" Legere reveals the fire burning inside her.

As the protective boyfriend, Louie Gallagher (Hugo Peabody) explodes onto the stage bringing a whirlwind of awkwardness. When Kim drools over Conrad Birdie (Dylan Crane), Gallagher hovers over her and persistently tries to catch her attention. Jealousy pouring into his broken heart, Gallagher works up courage to punch Conrad. Stumbling out of the bar, Gallagher staggers into trash cans as he delivers his well timed comedic performance.

An enhancing technical element of this show is the remarkable projections by Christina Morris. From bright colors to embellishing fonts, the projected posters reflect the love the fan girls have for Conrad Birdie. By projecting a moving train or brick wall with graffiti, Morris illustrates the various locations. Morris projects a full moon and sparkly stars to create a romantic night for Kim and Conrad.

The intricate props by Sarah Berg and Emily Mankey add a strong technical component to the show. Building a moveable camera that live streams, Berg and Mankey enhance the live TV show. Wringing a mother's tears out of a letter, the props allow for the actors to provide comedic relief. Assorted food items are embellished, such as pancakes with dripping maple syrup and toast with melting butter.

With admirable acting and technical components, Los Alamitos' "Bye Bye Birdie" reveals the significance of capturing what is most important before it is gone for good.

Sammy Schwartz
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

How lovely to be at Los Alamitos's "Bye Bye Birdie"
written by Sammy Schwartz, a senior at Tesoro High School

The quiet town of Sweet Apple, Ohio is shaken up when singing sensation and troublemaker, Conrad Birdie (Dylan Crane), comes to kiss one lucky girl goodbye before leaving for war. Los Alamitos High School's production of "Bye Bye Birdie" is full of screaming teenagers, angry parents, and an unafraid secretary giving the town some much needed excitement.

As the passionate and fiery secretary to Birdie's manager, Alexandria Magana as Rose Alvarez captures the crowd with her sweet performance of "An English Teacher", starting the show and revealing her dreams for her hopefully humble life. In the second act, Magana and her love, Albert Peterson (Connor Franzen), share a beautiful moment in "Rosie", finally allowing their affection to be displayed proudly. With Franzen's effortless and kind voice, he helps Magana reach her dream.

Hands permanently positioned at his waist and a grumpy look on his face, Louis Cogan as Harry MacAfee brings a comedic and naive individuality to the protective father role. His spiteful tone along with his hunched stature and scrunched nose makes "Kids (Reprise)" one to laugh along with.

The townsfolk of Sweet Apple, both young and old, bring the still town to life with a bustling energy, bringing the show to a whole other level of excitement and reality. They reliably stay in their respective characters, mostly teeangers or adults, always being easily identifiable by their body language. The citizens of Sweet Apple cheerfully do anything and everything to try and steal a glance at Conrad Birdie.

A technical aspect that also differentiates the ensemble's characters is the hair and makeup design being executed by Genique Clark. The Conrad Birdie fan club is clearly distinguishable with each individual's unique high, curly ponytails or pigtails and bright headbands. Contrasting this is the adults who are recognized with their hair down and pinned back. Adding to the theme of the 50's, most of the men traditionally have short, clean-cut hair.

With an energetic cast and an impressive crew, Los Alamitos High School's production of "Bye Bye Birdie" bursts with life and laughter.