Conrad Birdie has some serious star power.
Teeny-boppers croon “we love you Conrad, oh yes we do” to posters. He’s got fan clubs. He’s sold millions of records. And the nation is up in arms when they discover their beloved rock ‘n’ roll singer has been drafted.
Conrad Birdie is an icon because his fictional character is based on Elvis Presley.
He’ll get even more star power this week being played by Derek Taylor in Rundlett Middle School’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Derek, 12, of Concord is sure to impress the audience with his dance moves. He’s been a dance student at Concord Dance Academy since he was 5.
He has dance practice every day, he said. It’s a busy schedule, so he’d listen to the songs from the musical in the car and read the script at home later.
That dedication has paid off, too. Derek won five titles at various dance competitions this year, including Mr. Teen, for his tap solo. He also won scholarships to attend a dance and theater intensive summer camp in Hollywood.
He and his younger sister, Kayla, have also been invited to join the American Tap Company. That group competes at the annual World Tap Championships in Germany and puts on performances.
Derek’s teacher at Concord Dance Academy, Jennafer Goetsch, said the American Tap Company has won multiple times at the world championship.
“In New Hampshire, it’s very rare to have a professional opportunity like that,” Goetsch said. “For him to be accepted is a great accomplishment.”
Derek hopes to pursue a career in the performing arts.
“Right now we’re taking all of his opportunities into consideration,” said Maria Iozza-Taylor, Derek’s mother.
You can see Derek perform alongside his classmates today, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Rundlett Middle School activity room. Tickets are $8 or $5 for students and seniors.
“I think this is a really good show,” Derek said.
The cast of more than 30 students includes Christopher Renaud as Albert Peterson, Conrad Birdie’s manager who arranges the farewell tour; Maya Fabozzi as Rosie Albarez, Albert’s secretary and girlfriend; Eleni Spilites as Kim McAfee, who is selected to recieve Conrad’s “last kiss” while on The Ed Sullivan Show; and Aaron Russell as Hugo, Kim’s boyfriend who is jealous of the rock ‘n’ roll star.
Director Karen Braz said the play, which is a young performers’ version, was selected because it hasn’t been done in the area, and she’s always like the show.
“It’s a really fun, upbeat show,” Braz said.
She said the show gave an interesting perspective; it’s set in 1958, but it was written in that time period and isn’t retrospective.
Braz said she and the students discussed the differences between teens in the 1950s and now; they compared concepts like being “pinned” and “going steady” with would have been on television compared to now.
“There’s a real difference between what I grew up seeing on TV . . . and what these kids see,” Braz said.
She complimented the students on the efforts, noting some difficulties they’ve had to overcome. The students have been rehearsing since February without props in the music and band rooms. They just got access to the stage, without furniture, last week. The stage was different than expected and entrances had to be rearranged. This week, the student has props, furniture and costumes for the first time. With the large cast and a small backstage, most cast members will be seated at the sides of the auditorium. The students have been flexible through all the changes.
“There’s a huge arts focus for schools in this community,” she said.