Search - Bring Back Birdie :: Bring Back Birdie

Broadway's First Sequel.....

Frank Poore | NY, NY | 06/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although not a musical masterpiece, you can't deny Charles Strouse and Lee Adams can certainly whip up an exciting, catchy, and most of all fun score for Broadway's first Sequel, BRING BACK BIRDIE. Chita Rivera received a Tony nomination for recreating 'Rosie' a role she played in Broadway's 1960 Smash Hit BYE-BYE BIRDIE penned by the same authors. Tap sensation, and comedic actor, Donald O'Connor of "Singin' In The Rain" movie fame makes his Broadway debut in the role of "Albert".Other Broadway notables include 1964 Tony Winner ('Golde'/Fiddler on the Roof) MARIA KARNILOVA in the role of 'Mama' and MAURICE HINES of 'Hines, Hines & Dad' fame as 'Mtobe'. These entertainment greats are backed-up up by an equally talented ensemble two of whom, making their Broadway debuts, are now film actors VANESSA (Coming To America/Crimson Tide) BELL CALLOWAY and MICHAEL (Chaplin/A Chorus Line) BLEVINS. A must for every collector and certainly for theatre groups planning to produce this cult classic originally conceived, directed & choreographed by Tony winner JOE LAYTON with a frivilously-kooky yet entertaining book by legendary script writer MICHAEL STEWART. At the time an un-heard-of amount of money ($2 million - mere pocket change by today's standards) went into this historic 1981 production that had no out-of-town tryout yet previewed for 7 weeks on Broadway, opened to mixed reviews and closed after 3 days and 4 performances. Theatre lovers and Broadway enthuastists will adore this rare and unlikely recording featuring top-notch, first-class talent! ....."