“Bye Bye Birdie” Soars at The 5th Avenue Theatre

What

Bye Bye Birdie | View the program

Where

The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

When

Now – June 29, 2025

Why

Bye Bye Birdie has always been a show with charm baked into its DNA—but The 5th Avenue Theatre’s new production gives it a fresh kind of joy: not by modernizing it, but by leaning into the heart and humor that were always there.

The cast doesn’t rely on one big comedic lead to carry the laughs. Instead, each performer carves out their own space to shine, creating a true ensemble feel. Bringing this 1960 Tony Award-winning musical to The 5th’s stage for the first time is a team effort, and you can feel it.

Rosie (played with warmth and strength by Ashley Perez Flanagan) carries a voice that feels fully grown and grounded, a striking contrast to Kim’s (Susanna Cathryn Ballenski) bubbly, infectious teen energy—especially noticeable in their shared moment during “One Boy.” And while the show is set in the 1950s, it doesn’t need a modern overhaul to connect with today’s audience. When Rosie sing “Spanish Rose,” the line, “I'm just a Spanish tamale according to Mae…Right off the boat from the tropics, far, far away…Which is kind of funny…Since where I come from is Allentown, PA” lands with unexpected weight. It’s a quiet reminder that even now, some Americans are forced to prove they belong.

As for the teen idol of the show, Conrad Birdie (Alex Walton), there's no need to update him—he’s already Taylor Swift with greased hair and an army of Swifty-like superfans. The frenzy, the idol worship, the generational divide—it’s all still right on the nose.

Albert’s (Noah Weisberg) physical comedy is a treat, too—his timing, his movement, all dialed in just right. And while seasoned pros keep things grounded, it’s the young performers who bring a real thrill. Several cast members are making their professional debut, and five of them even received their high school diplomas on stage during opening night, having missed their own graduation ceremonies to be there. It was a poignant, joyful reminder of what this show is really about: kids growing up, sometimes too fast, chasing dreams with wide eyes and nervous energy.

How

Tickets are available at 5thavenue.org