Here are some rehearsal photos from Bye Bye Birdie which I conducted at McIntyre Hall (Mount Vernon, WA) in November 2007.

This was what I called the “keyboard army”. We had three keyboardists covering piano, strings and percussion bell parts. I opted use synth strings in favor of having a full sax and horn section. The music for Bye Bye Birdie at the time was supposed to sound rock, but it’s really more of a big band Broadway type sound.

Full cast rehearsal with partial orchestra at a local gymnasium. Note to self, orchestra rehearsals do not work well in gymnasiums…

First run-throughs with the pit orchestra.

I think this is one of the orchestra members, Kyle, playing video games…

Conrad Askland conducting Bye Bye Birdie in the orchestra pit at McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon, WA – November 2007. Photos by Erin Heminway.

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In the musical Bye Bye Birdie there is a line where the father character Harry McAfee says “Call the Shadow. Look him up under Lamont Cranston.” An orchestra member asked me who Lamont Cranston was and I didn’t know – so here’s everything you wanted to know about Lamont Cranston.

Lamont Cranston was one of the alter-egos of THE SHADOW. Just like Superman had a real world identity of Clark Kent.

ABOUT ALTER EGO LAMONT CRANSTON

In print, The Shadow was born Kent Allard, a famed aviator. During World War I, Allard was both a flying ace and a spy who fought for the French, and known by the alias of The Black Eagle (“The Shadow’s Shadow”), although later stories claim his alias was The Dark Eagle (“The Shadow Unmasks”). After the war, Allard sought a new challenge, and decided to wage war on criminals, rather that simply remain a pilot or return to the military (also revealed in “The Shadow Unmasks”). He faked a plane crash and Allard’s death in the South American tropical jungles. He then returned to the United States, arriving in New York City and adopting numerous identities to cloak his return.

One of these was Lamont Cranston, “wealthy young man about town.” In fact, Cranston was a separate character; Allard frequently disguised himself as Cranston and adopted his identity (see the stories “The Shadow Laughs” and “The Shadow Unmasks”). While Cranston traveled the world, Allard assumed his identity in New York. In their first meeting, with Allard/The Shadow in bed recovering from wounds, he threatens Cranston, saying that he has arranged to switch signatures on various documents and other means that will allow him to take over the Lamont Cranston identity entirely unless Cranston agrees to allow Allard to impersonate him when he is abroad. Cranston agrees. The two men sometimes meet in order to impersonate each other (see Crime over Miami). Apparently, the disguise worked well because Allard and Cranston bore something of a resemblance to each other (see “Dictator of Crime.”)

ABOUT THE SHADOW

The Shadow is a fictional character created by Walter B. Gibson in 1931 in a semimonthly series of pulp magazines. The first story was titled “The Living Shadow”. The character is one of the most famous of the pulp heroes of the 1930s and 1940s — made most famous through a popular radio series in which The Shadow was originally played by Orson Welles. The Shadow has also been featured in comic books, comic strips, television, and at least seven motion pictures. Still, The Shadow is most highly regarded for its radio years, in which pulp crime fiction received perhaps its most compelling broadcast interpretation.

Even after decades, the unmistakable introduction from The Shadow, intoned by announcer Frank Readick, has earned a place in the American idiom: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”

The haunting theme song, played on an organ, was “Le Rouet d’Omphale” (Omphale’s Spinning Wheel) by Saint-Saens.

Mount Vernon, WA – META Performing Arts presents Bye Bye Birdie November 16-25, 2007 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon, WA. Come down to the orchestra pit and say hello!

SHOWTIMES:
Fri Nov 16 – 7:30
Sat Nov 17 – 7:30
Sun Nov 18 – 2pm

Fri Nov 23 – 7:30
Sat Nov 24 – 2pm and 7:30
Sun Nov 25 – 2pm

Bye Bye Birdie is a Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams, and music by Charles Strouse.

Cast list and production credits for META Performing Arts presentation of Bye Bye Birdie in November 2007 at McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon, WA.

PRODUCTION STAFF

Producer – Kate Kypuros
Assistant Producer – Kristin Jensen
Director – Tracy Petersen
Assistant Director – Mia Calderon
Stage Manager – Ryn Bishop
Vocal Director – Lynette McCormack
Orchestra Conductor – Conrad Askland
Choreographer – John Farrey
Dance Captain – Lauren Riley
Set Designer – Elizabeth Haba
Costume Director – Kathy Gildnes
Lighting Designer – Don Wilcutts
Sound Designer – Kyle Blevins
Fly Captain – Dave Mumford and Karen Pauley
Graphic Design – Kristin Jensen
Photography – Eric Hall and Gary Brown
Rehearsal Pianist – Lauren Lippens
Make-up and Hair – Suzanne Aguilar, Keira Grech and Chelsea Koenig
Costumes – Maura Marlin, Mae Louise Dopps, Barbara Schildts and Gloria McDonald
Set and Prop Build – Elizabeth Haba, Clare Tatarsky, Don Wilcutts, Maura Marlin and Mike Marlin
Sound – Milton Grambo, Mardi Holt, Alex Kypuros and Robert Campbell
Spot – Paul Thelan

ORCHESTRA

Conductor – Conrad Askland
Trumpet I – Cindy Luna
Trumpet II – Nathaniel Voth
Horn – Amanda McDaniel
Trombone – Rob Queisser
Clarinet, Sax – Thomas Harris
Alto Sax – Kyle McInnis
Clarinet, Tenor Sax – Michelle Hanna
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax – Rebecca Wright
Flute – Linda Slone
Cello – Joe Bischel
Cello – Sharon Sparling
Bass – Marilyn Parman
Bass – Peter Bridgman
Keyboards – Ruth Haines
Piano – Brianne Weaver
Keyboards – Daisy Stewart
Guitar – Luke Hansen
Timpani – Dave Lyon
Drums – Stephanie Straight

BYE BYE BIRDIE CAST

Rosie Alvarez – Sarah Simmons
Albert Peterson – Dustin Moore
Conrad Birdie – Alex Hollingsworth
Kim Macafee – Demi Fair
Mr. Harry Macafee – Clarence Holden
Mrs. Doris Macafee – Cally Johnson
Randolph Macafee – Michael Giles
Mrs. Mae Peterson – Kris Hemenway
Ursula Merkle – Zoey Kypuros
Hugo Peabody – Matthew Thompson
Gloria Rasputian – Sandra Petersen
Mr. Mayor – Andy Golub
Mrs. Mayor – Suzie Clark
Mrs. Merkle – Robin Luif
Alice – Havalah Raven
Deborah Sue – Corinn Holberg
Margie – Eve Berrington
Nancy – Madison Wagoner
Harvey – Jake Updegraff
Bartender Maude – Douglas Zwick

FEATURED DANCERS

Kayla Golub
Alisha Anderson
Alexa McNeal
Courtney Holberg

SHRINERS

Dan Denny
Andy Golub
Geoff Arthur
Bill Waldron
Ron McCarty

Sad Girl – Lauren Reilly

TEEN CHORUS

Conner Crosby
Darah King
DJ Walker
Jasmine Zell
Jessica Pauley
Kelli Bates
Savannah Dills
Alexander Pedroza
Mckenzie Willis

PRETEEN CHORUS

Falon Sierra
Kadin Zenonian
Katie Arthur
Kayla Malcolm
MaKayla Haigh
Olivia Pedroza
Kari Tarabochia
Abigail Ferguson

ADULT CHORUS

Christina South
Germaine Kornegay
Laura Stewart
Vicki McCarty
Ron McCarty
Bill Waldron

Inside cover of Bye Bye Birdie Program – November, 2007

For two and a half years, local music and theatre communities have benefitted from the talents of Conrad Askland. Conrad is the consummate professional: creative, precise, able to balance high expectations with encouraging words and humor.

“Bye Bye Birdie” will be Conrad’s final show in the Skagit Valley for the next few years as he heads out to the far horizons of another continent and culture.

“Friends of Conrad Askland” contributed to a co-sponsorship of “Bye Bye Birdie” as a tribute to the man who has given so much to our community.

Alex Hollingsworth
Andy and Donna Golub
Barbara Askland
Bryan and Kathryn Kay
Cally Johnson
Carol Ann Askland
Clarence Holden
Dan Denny
Dr. Gary Brown
Elfa Gisla
Geoff and Susan Arthur
Kate Kypuros
Kyle Blevins
Jerry Moa
Lindsey and Joe Bowen
Lynette McCormack
Lynn and Frank Handi
Stewart and Lacey Woods

One of Ann Margret’s breakout roles was playing Kim McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie (1963). She’s still touring and going strong. Visit her official website at http://www.ann-margret.com .

Original lobby card for Bye Bye Birdie:

Ann Margret with Elvis on the set of Viva Las Vegas 

ANN MARGRET DISCOGRAPHY

And Here She Is
Ann-Margret’s first long-player from RCA, 1961. Jazzy orchestra conducted by Marty Paich.

On The Way Up
On The Way Up, her second album, was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville on RCA in 1962. It has one “rock” side, and one “ballad” side. Produced by Chet Atkins and Dick Pierce.

The Vivacious One
Recorded in 1962 on RCA, the album compiles the best of Ann-Margret’s two early albums. Produced by Dick Pierce, arranged and conducted by Bob Florence and H.B. Barnum.

3 Great Girls
A compilation on RCA recorded in 1962. Ann-Margret, Kitty Kallen and Della Reeves do four songs each.

Bachelor’s Paradise
Recorded on RCA in 1963. Orchestra conducted by Hank Levine, produced by Steve Shoals.

Beauty And The Beard
Recorded in 1964 on RCA. Ann-Margret teams up with New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt. Orchestra arranged and conducted by Marty Paich, produced by Steve Shoals.

Songs From The Swinger And Other Swingin’ Songs
Recorded on RCA in 1966. Songs from the film “The Swinger”. Arranged and conducted by Marty Paich, produced by Al Schmitt and Neely Plumb.

The Cowboy And The Lady
Country LP from 1969 recorded in Nashville. Produced by Lee Hazlewood.

Hits And Rarities
A great danish compilation album developed in 1990 on Teenager Records.

Hits And Rarities Vol. 2
Danish compilation album developed in 1992 on Teenager Records.

Lovely Ann-Margret – Hits and Rarities
A Belgian compilation CD developed by Marginal Records in 1995.

Let Me Entertain You
A rather mellow American CD compilation from 1996. 21 of Ann-Margret’s early “sexy” hits.

Ann-Margret 1961-1966
A fantastic 5-CD boxed set from German re-issue label Bear Family. This has it all, really. Everything she recorded with RCA including some never before realeased tracks. Also included are some songs from various soundtracks. It comes with a 72 page deluxe 4-colour book the size of an LP. It has full session details and lots of great pictures. A must!

Viva Rock Vegas
As Fred Flintstone might say, “Let’s Rock!” The Flintstones in “Viva Rock Vegas” is an over-the-cop family comedy but its soundtrack is a rock ‘n’ roll archeologist’s Olduvai Gorge. From the blues of B.B. King to the scorching rockabilly of Johnny Burnette & his Rock ‘n’ Roll Trio, from Bill Haley and his Comets and Jimmy Cavello and his House Rockers to long-forgotten honky-tonker Moon Mullican, The Flinstones In Viva Rock Vegas (Hip-O Records) released April 25, 2000, is a rock ‘n’ roll mammoth.

But the Viva Rock Vegas is hardly dinosaur rock. Also featured are ’90 artists such as rockin’ eccentric Rev. Horton Heat, country rocker Robbie Fulks and blues belter Susan Tedeschi. Add ’80’s roots rockers Nick Lowe and Donnie Iris and Viva Rock Vegaa qualifies as a lesson in musical geology.

Also included are selections performed by score composer David Newman (1998 Academy Award nominee for Anastasia) and one of the film’s stars, Alan Cumming (Tony Award winner for Cabaret).

Yet, the highlight may be Ann-Margret’s “Viva Las Vegas (Viva Rock Vegas).” Originally sung by Elvis Presley for the 1964 film “Viva Las Vegas,” the song has been reworked for this film for Ann-Margret, the voice and inspiration for the character of Ann-Margrock in the original “Flintstones” animated TV series of the ’60’s. The track also spotlights a special performance by James Burton, Elvis’ greatest guitar player.

ANN MARGRET FILMOGRAPHY

Ann-Margret has dazzled screen and stage audiences as few entertainers in our time. With her film debut in Frank Capra’s final classic, “Pocketful of Miracles,” in 1962, to the soon to be released Oliver Stone directed “On Any Sunday” with Al Pacino, Ann-Margret’s film career has spanned four decades. Displaying a versatility that few actresses can match has earned her love and admiration, not just for her beauty and her legend, but for herself. Come behind the scenes for glimpses into over 50 films, including “Viva Las Vegas” with Elvis Presley, her Academy Award Nominated roles in “Tommy” and “Carnal Knowledge,” and many memorable moments.

“10th Kingdom, The” (2000) (mini) TV Series …. Queen           Cinderella
“Perfect Murder, Perfect Town” (2000) (mini) TV Series           Patsy’s Mother

10th Kingdom: The Making of an Epic, The (2000)          Cinderella

Last Producer, The (2000) Not Released Yet

Any Given Sunday (1999) …. Margaret Pagniacci
Happy Face Murders (1999) (TV) …. Lorraine

Limey, The (1999) (uncredited) (scenes deleted)

Life of the Party: The Pamela Harriman Story (1998) (TV) …. Pamela Harriman … aka Life of the Party: Pamela Harriman (1998) (TV)

“Four Corners” (1998/I) TV Series …. Amanda Wyatt

Blue Rodeo (1996) (TV) …. Maggie Yearwood

Seduced by Madness (1996) (TV) …. Diane Borchardt
… aka Seduced by Madness: The Diane Borchardt Story (1996) (TV)

Grumpier Old Men (1995) …. Ariel Gustafson
… aka Grumpy Old Men 2 (1995)

Following Her Heart (1994) (TV) …. Lena

“Scarlett” (1994) (mini) TV Series …. Belle Watling

Nobody’s Children (1994) (TV) …. Carol Stevens

“Queen” (1993) (mini) TV Series …. Sally Jackson
… aka “Alex Haley’s Queen” (1993) (mini)

Grumpy Old Men (1993) …. Ariel Truax

Newsies (1992) …. Medda Larkson
… aka Newsboys (1992)

Our Sons (1991) (TV) …. Luanne Barnes
… aka Too Little, Too Late (1991) (TV)

New Life, A (1988) …. Jackie

Two Mrs. Grenvilles, The (1987) (TV) …. Ann Arden

Tiger’s Tale, A (1987) …. Rose

52 Pick-Up (1986) …. Barbara Mitchell

That’s Dancing! (1985) (archive footage)

Twice in a Lifetime (1985) …. Audrey Minelli

Streetcar Named Desire, A (1984) (TV) …. Blanche DuBois

Who Will Love My Children? (1983) (TV) …. Lucile Fray

I Ought to Be in Pictures (1982) …. Stephanie

Lookin’ to Get Out (1982) …. Patti Warner

Return of the Soldier, The (1982) …. Jenny Baldry

Middle Age Crazy (1980) …. Sue Ann
… aka Heartfarm (1980)

Villain, The (1979) …. Charming Jones
… aka Cactus Jack (1979)

Cheap Detective, The (1978) …. Jezebel Dezire
… aka Snacka om deckare, alltsÃ¥! (1978)

Magic (1978) …. Peggy Ann Snow

Last Remake of Beau Geste, The (1977) …. Flavia Geste

Joseph Andrews (1977) …. Lady Booby

Tommy (1975) …. Nora Walker Hobbs
… aka Tommy by ‘The Who’ (1975) (USA:
… aka Who’s Tommy, The (1975)

Folies bourgeoises (1975) …. Charlie Minerva
… aka Pazzi borghesi (1975) (Italy)
… aka Twist, The (1975)
… aka Verrückten Reichen, Die (1976) (West Germany)

Funerale a Los Angeles (1973) …. Nancy Robson
… aka Outside Man, The (1973)
… aka Un homme est mort (1973) (France)

Train Robbers, The (1973) …. Mrs. Lilly Lowe

Carnal Knowledge (1971) …. Bobbie

C.C. and Company (1970) …. Ann McCalley
… aka Chrome Hearts (1970) (video title)

R.P.M. (1970) …. Rhoda

Profeta, Il (1968) …. Maggie
… aka Mr. Kinky (1968)
… aka Prophet, The (1968)

Rebus (1968) …. Singer
… aka Crimen también juega, El (1969) (Spain: dubbed version)
… aka Heißes Spiel für harte Männer (1968) (West Germany)

Sette uomini e un cervello (1967)
… aka Criminal Affair (1967) (USA)
… aka Criminal Symphony (1967)
… aka Seven Men and One Brain (1967)

Tigre, Il (1967) …. Carolina
… aka Tiger and the Pussycat, The (1967)

Murderers’ Row (1966) …. Suzie Solaris

Made in Paris (1966) …. Maggie Scott

Stagecoach (1966) …. Dallas

Swinger, The (1966) …. Kelly Olsson

Cincinnati Kid, The (1965) …. Melba

Once a Thief (1965) …. Kristine Pedak
… aka Tueurs de San Francisco, Les (1965) (France)

Bus Riley’s Back in Town (1965) …. Laurel

Made In Paris (1965) (uncredited) …. Herself (wardrobe test footage)

Viva Las Vegas (1964) …. Rusty Martin
… aka Love in Las Vegas (1964)

Kitten with a Whip (1964) …. Jody Dvorak

Pleasure Seekers, The (1964) …. Fran Hobson

Bye Bye Birdie (1963) …. Kim McAfee

State Fair (1962) …. Emily Porter

Pocketful of Miracles (1961) …. Louise

MUSICIAN SPOTS STILL OPEN:

1. Timpani/Percussion
2. Drums (Trap Set)
3. Alto Sax
4. Trombone II
5. Trumpet III

Contact Conrad if interested in auditioning. We will have a full pit orchestra for this production.

“ED SULLIVAN” song – At “C” where full chorus enters, the high notes for the altos are a bit extreme (up to F). Would recommend splitting sopranos and have 2nd sopranos cover alto part, then switch altos to tenor part. The high Ab notes in the soprano can easily sound shrill and overpower other parts – be careful and selective in which singers you have go for the top notes on this song.