Cinnabar Theater opens their 54th season with the nostalgic 1950s musical romp, Bye Bye Birdie. It’s a production that benefits from its wonderful ensemble and the charisma of several outstanding character actors. Directed by Zachary Hasbany with musical direction by Brett Strader, Birdie runs in the Warren Auditorium at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park through Oct. 4.
The heart of the story belongs to the intelligent, neglected Rosie, played by lovely Laura Odette Sandoval. Rosie has long languished in her relationship with her mama’s-boy boss, Albert, played with all the energy by Noah Evans, and the audience feels that. I was actually rooting for Rosie to run off on her own, because Albert’s antics are insufferable.
Similarly, I was hoping that titular Conrad Birdie would find an outlet to ease his world-weary, slightly burnt-out mind. With as much subtlety as someone playing a caricature of Elvis can muster, Noah Vondralee Sternhill leans into the masculine while revealing that Birdie is a star without much agency. It is a crime that we could barely hear Vondralee Sternhill’s excellent voice on opening night because his songs are a lot of fun (“Honestly Sincere,” in particular), and I wanted more of his sly comedic stylings.
About that ensemble: It’s a well cast group that never once seemed out of sync. Major kudos to Hasbany for pairing the superb David L. Yen (as mild-mannered Harry MacAfee) with the equally adept Molly Larsen-Shine (as Doris MacAfee), a performer who has charm and skill to burn. They’re instantly watchable, hilarious and full of the seasoned groundedness into which one can buy regardless of the material.
Jill Wagoner also stands out as Albert’s hilariously dramatic but flippantly racist mother, Mae. It’s a role Wagoner could do in her sleep.
The entire young adult portion of the ensemble, playing hormonal teeny boppers, are excellent and kept up their manic energy when others lagged. Olivia Manz, as wildly crazed Ursula, creates some of the funniest bits. Mia Katherine Wade, as Kim, is solid with a gorgeous voice.
While Bye Bye Birdie’s story of fanatical teens and their Elvis-inspired idol is dated and thin on characterization, audiences may still find diversion in its revelry thanks to some delightful performances.
Cinnabar Theater presents ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ through Oct. 4 at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $23–$77 inclusive of parking. 707.763.8920. cinnabartheater.org.
