Woodside School stages 'Bye Bye Birdie' Woodside School stages 'Bye Bye Birdie' (June 01, 2005)

It's almost time for Woodside School's eighth-graders to stage the annual operetta, a long-standing tradition for the eighth-grade class before graduation.

The entire class of 47 students will perform in "Bye Bye Birdie" on stage in the school's George Sellman Auditorium from Wednesday, June 8, through Saturday, June 11.

The musical revolves around a rock star's approaching appearance in a small town.

"It's a funny, upbeat and colorful show," said parent Bunny Weiss, co-producer with Ann Williams, also a parent. The students have been rehearsing for weeks.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday with a "twilight show" at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets -- at $10 for adults and $8 for children -- may be purchased in the school office. The performances are expected to sell out quickly.

Woodside will have a "hot dog bag dinner" before the early Wednesday show. Characters from "Bye Bye Birdie" will make appearances while young children and their families eat in the middle school lunch area.

Elena Mori, who directed the recent Woodside community production of "Kiss Me Kate," will direct the operetta. Musical director is Ruthie Smith, who was musical director for the musical revue "Celebration of Theatre," that celebrated the recent opening of the Performing Arts Center at Woodside High School.

Karen Arimoto-Peterson is the faculty adviser for "Bye Bye Birdie."

For information, call the school office at 851-1571, ext. 291. Woodside School, for grades K-8, is located at 3195 Woodside Road in Woodside.

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