‘Bye Bye Birdie’ at Phantom Projects Theatre

OC Theatre Guild
Jun 2
4 min read

Putting on a Very Happy Face

Bruno A. Satalino and the ensemble of Bye Bye Birdie. Photo courtesy of The Phantom Projects Theatre

by Anne Reid

Rock-and-roll fever is set to sweep through Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot as “Bye Bye Birdie,” one of Broadway’s most beloved musical comedies, arrives with laughs, lively dance numbers and timeless charm.

Directed and choreographed by Alan M-L Wager, the Tony Award-winning musical follows the chaos that erupts when rock-and-roll teen idol Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army. Before leaving for military service, Birdie plans one final publicity stunt: visiting the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, to kiss a teenage fan goodbye on national television. The stunt throws Sweet Apple into chaos as parents panic, teenagers swoon and Birdie’s handlers scramble to keep everything under control.

Beneath the whirlwind of celebrity obsession, romance and comic misunderstandings, the story also follows teenager Kim MacAfee and Birdie’s anxious manager, Albert Peterson, as they navigate expectations, relationships and the challenges of figuring out who they want to become.

Filled with iconic songs including “Put On a Happy Face,” “Kids,” “Honestly Sincere” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” the musical became a Broadway hit in 1960 before inspiring the popular 1963 film starring Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh. Though audiences often view the show as a nostalgic time capsule of the early rock-and-roll era, its themes continue to resonate. The story’s fascination with celebrity culture and fandom feels surprisingly familiar in an age of viral stars and social media obsession.

Wager believes the musical’s humor and heart remain timeless.

“When ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ was written in 1960, it was a contemporary show,” Wager said. “Now we think of it as a nostalgic piece. But the comedy and wonderful music work no matter when it’s performed.”

Wager, who previously directed and choreographed “James and the Giant Peach” for Phantom Projects, said he was eager to return after working with the company last season.

“I had a wonderful experience with Phantom Projects last year,” he said. “I was happy to return when Steve asked if I was interested.”

He’s referring to Steve Cisneros, founder and producing artistic director, who says the production represents one of the theater’s most ambitious undertakings yet at its La Habra venue. The show features a cast of 21 performers, making it among the largest productions Phantom Projects has staged at the theater since taking over operations of the historic venue in 2021 and reopening it in 2022 as the Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot.

“We are putting together a very big show in a very small amount of time, and that’s completely because of the talents and abilities of this team,” Cisneros said, praising Wager alongside musical director John Massey and choreographer Sue Erickson-Gehringer. “The way they work together as a trio is so much fun, so fast and pushes our cast and crew.”

The creative team received an overwhelming response during auditions, drawing performers from throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.

“We were so fortunate to have an abundance of wonderful performers audition,” Wager said. “This particular cast is enjoying working together to put up a production they are proud to share with the audience.”

The production also introduces set designer Antonio Beach to Phantom Projects audiences for the first time. Cisneros described the collaboration as “so creative” and praised Beach’s ability to bring fresh visual energy to the production.

From left: Christian Bernardo, Scarlett Von Sittenfield, Jacob George Koclanis, Ariana Nin, Geovanna Quiroz, Matthew Rodriguez, Kleeburg, Bruno A. Satalino, Jacob Rushing, Georgia Kate, Alora Kinley and Ethan Puente. Photo courtesy of The Phantom Projects Theatre

Meanwhile, resident sound designer Jacob Antisdel helps transform the intimate venue into a full-scale musical theater experience.

“As he does with every show, Antisdel brings out the incredible talent from the stage to the seats that lets audiences hear the show in a way that makes our space feel 10 times larger,” Cisneros said.

For Cisneros, part of the joy of producing “Bye Bye Birdie” comes from revisiting a musical audiences may not realize they already know by heart.

“‘Bye Bye Birdie’ is one of those shows that you don’t realize how much you love until you start hearing the songs again,” he said. “Then you see those movie clips with Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh ... and it’s impossible not to smile.”

Beyond the music and comedy, both Cisneros and Wager say the production reflects Phantom Projects’ ongoing commitment to bringing affordable, high-quality theater to North Orange County while building a sense of artistic community.

“I personally love so many members of our ‘Phantom Phamily’ returning to work with us,” Cisneros said. “To get to walk in and see so many familiar faces is like a reunion every night.”

Wager added that the arts remain an essential part of community life and praised Phantom Projects for continuing to grow while taking creative risks.

“Audiences are in store for great performances, wonderful sets and costumes and a great time at the theater,” he said.

Whether audiences are revisiting a longtime favorite or discovering the musical for the first time, Phantom Projects hopes “Bye Bye Birdie” delivers exactly what its most famous song promises: a reason to “Put On a Happy Face.”