The Town of Webb School Drama Department will present a production of Bye Bye Birdie in the school gymnasium on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16.
The play will feature two school drama department veterans in the lead roles. Lauren Holt will portray Rose Alvarez and Kody Earl, her boss and love interest, Albert Peterson.
As Albert Peterson, Dakota “Kody” Earl plays music manager and song writer for the rock singer Conrad Birdie.
Earl describes his character as a “Mama’s boy” who, at age 33, still feels like he owes his mom something and is reticent to leave her.
Earl says this role is perfect for him, because he is, in fact, a Mama’s boy himself.
“I love my Mama,” he says of his mother, Chris Wilsey Earl. Earl describes “Bye, Bye Birdie” as a coming of age tale, even though his character is older.
He says it’s about Albert gaining confidence in himself and stepping out to do what he wants, regardless of who’s telling him not to.
Earl says that of all the roles he’s played, Albert Peterson is different.
Previously he has played tough and cocky characters.
“As Albert, I’m nervous. I’m kind of hesitant in the area of love, where I’ve always been the one looking for love” he said.
A senior at Webb, Earl said he saw his first play as an eighth grader, when his sister played a part in Damn Yankees.
He knew then that he wanted to be on the stage himself. He’s always liked to sing and has always been animated.
His first opportunity to act was when he starred as Danny in “Grease” his freshman year. He then played Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls” his sophomore year, and Eli Whitney in “Anything Goes” as a junior. Earl would like to continue involvement in drama this fall at Fingerlakes Community College, where he’ll study music recording technology.
Bye Bye Birdie is under the direction of Vocal Music Director Valerie Gaudin and Ann DeFillips.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on both evenings. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for Seniors (62+) and $5 for students.
