If you’re old enough to remember when Elvis was drafted into the Army or you simply love a trip back in time to small town American and “real” rock ‘n roll, then you’re in luck. With Love Productions is bringing “Bye Bye Birdie” to the stage, this weekend only, at Harrison School for the Arts. We caught up with Founder and Creative Director Alessandra Stillinger to give you a glimpse at what you can expect from this classic musical.
The Lakelander: What was your inspiration to bring this hit from more than six decades ago to Lakeland?
Stillinger: WLP was inspired to celebrate and rediscover the charm of classic theatre with a musical that offers a blend of nostalgia and entertainment for audiences of all ages.
The Lakelander: What should locals expect from this performance that features so many talented professionals from Central Florida, as well as rising stars from the local communities?
Stillinger: They should expect an amazing story, hilarious one liners, high energy musical numbers, and an exceptional amount of talent told in the Broadway style of a classic golden age musical. We have a cast of 34, with a huge amount of diversity and ranges of talent. We have quite a few veteran performers and a few newcomers as well.
The Lakelander: What is the most challenging aspect of bringing time-honoring classics to the stage while enticing audiences of all ages?
Stillinger: The show is set in the late 50s so I would say finding that balance between honoring the feel of the original while still making it relatable and fun for the younger generations not familiar with the originals charm.
The Lakelander: What’s your favorite song from “Bye Bye Birdie” and why?
Stillinger: It’s hard to pick a favorite since there are so many fun numbers. I would say “A lot of Livin to Do” because it’s a big dance number for the teen ensemble and they always have so much fun when they are performing it. It’s definitely an entertaining one to watch.
The Lakelander: With The Lakelander’s Creative Director playing the lead role of Albert, we have to ask—how good was Jon Sierra at tap dancing at the beginning of this process, and how is he now?
Stillinger: Jon has done such a great job! He had no tap experience at all coming into this show and has really stepped up to the plate and is killing it now! Tap is not easy, so for him to come in and learn a genre of dance he never tried before and then to pull it off has been amazing to watch!
