BUZZ Photos
Starry Bye Bye Birdie Revival Comes Home to Roost on Broadway
It's an opening night nearly 50 years in the making. In 1960, hundreds of ticketholders flocked to the Martin Beck Theatre to see Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera and Paul Lynde in what would become one of the most-produced musicals of the century: Bye Bye Birdie. On October 15, 2009, stars, show fans and an excited band of ticketholders came out en masse to the Henry Miller's Theater to welcome Roundabout Theatre Company's Birdie back for its first ever Broadway revival. This time the show stars were Rialto veterans John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Bill Irwin, Dee Hoty and Jane Houdyshell, youthful rising stars Allie Trimm and Matt Doyle, and newcomer Nolan Gerard Funk--and the crowd was happy to have them. Also wearing happy faces (despite a sudden downpour outside) were show creators Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, who admitted to Broadway.com they "never thought the show would have the success that is has had" when they penned ithalf a century ago. After the candy-colored revival prooved it's still gotta lot of livin' to do on stage, the residents of the show's fictional Sweet Apple, Ohio, hit the Big Apple in style, heading to a very modern opening night bash at The Hard Rock Cafe. John Stamos Twittered from the red carpet. Gina Gershon rocked flowers in her hair. Nolan Gerard Funk showed off a sweet suit designed by Project Runway favorite Milan, and Bill Irwin had an entire press line charmed with his signature good humor. Click through for an on-the-scene look at Bye Bye Birdie's return to Broadway, complete with party pics that will make you feel like you were there!
