Despite several delays due to snow and ACT testing, the cast of Niles High School’s spring musical is ready to take the stage Saturday evening.

In two performances this weekend, 40 students will perform their rendition of the award-winning musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.”

“(The show) takes place in the late 50s, early 60s and it all has to do with this rockstar, Conrad Birdie. He’s being drafted into the army and his manager has decided to write one last song, ‘One Last Kiss,’ and Birdie’s going to give a kiss to one of his fan club members,” said director Meg Bartlett. “It’s a comedy and all the music is from the late ‘50s and ‘60s.”

Bartlett said auditions were held before winter break, but the crew got a late start on practices because of all of the snow days in January and February. Nonetheless, she said the cast is more than ready and excited to perform.

“These kids have worked so hard. We’ve had so many obstacles in our with the ACT testing and the weather, and these kids have just not let it get in their way,” she said.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23. Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens.

 

CAST LIST

• Albert — Danny Grimes

• Rosie — Danielle Villa

• Kim MacAfee — Abby Rzepka

• Conrad Birdie — Elijah Ernsperger

• Helen — Marina Thornton

• Nancy — Jenna McAllister

• Alice/sad girl — Emma Doud

• Margie Ann — Hannah Hill

• Penelope Ann — Jordan Rohl

• Deborah Sue — Perla Chavez

• Suzie — Bailey Schneider

• Gloria Rasputin/Linda — Madison Schneider

• Carol/sad girl — Chloe Mattiford

• Martha Louise — Hannah Davis

• Ursula — Katelyn Phillips

• Harold — Jon Lutin

• Karl — Nick Cole

• Harvey — Matt Golubski

• Freddie — Mike Johnson

• Mrs. MacAfee — Stephanie Rickords

• Mr. MacAfee — Oskar Olade

• Randolph MacAfee — Nolyn Jankoviak

• Mrs. Mae Peterson — Katy Stelter

• Reporter 1/Mrs. Merkle — Taylor Frazier

• Reporter 2/Mrs. Johnson — Tiffani Williams

• Mayor — Travis Lintz

• Mayor’s wife/Maude — Nola Wallace

• Hugo Peabody — Nick Cole

• Conductor/Townsperson — Rachel Uhl

• Policeman — Jackie Roberts

• Townsperson — Shaylyn Baker

• Assistant Student Director — Tiffani Williams