By Debra Skaggs
The Empress Theatre in Magna will be the setting for the Tony Award-winning musical 'Bye Bye Birdie,' with performances beginning tonight at 7 p.m. through Aug. 25.
The theater stood vacant for more than 40 years and was reopened last year after years of effort.
'This building really pulls on the heartstrings of the people in Magna,' said Vivian Kunz, the Marketing Director for the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance. 'It is the only building in Magna listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. The cast is all volunteers which adds to the spirit of our unique little theater and makes it so inviting.'
The family-friendly, high-energy performance is a satire on American society and a favorite of audiences since its Broadway debut in 1960. It has been parodied on 'The Simpsons' and a modern-day version of the plot is seen in the movie 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.'
The story takes place in 1958 when a rock ''n'' roll superstar is drafted into the army. Conrad Birdie is an Elvis-like, hip-twisting dreamboat who''s making teens swoon all across the country. His agent creates a publicity stunt to premiere one last hit record before he is sent away. Some lucky girl from Conrad''s fan club will be chosen to appear with him on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and will get one last kiss from him before his basic training begins.
When Kim MacAfee, from Sweet Apple, Ohio, is chosen, the whole town goes into a frenzy while her father becomes obsessed with a possible up-coming visit to Hollywood and her boyfriend becomes disastrously jealous. Meanwhile, Conrad''s agent gets tangled up with girlfriend problems and Conrad gets tired of show business and stirs up trouble with the Sweet Apple teens and the police.
Chaz Walgamott plays Conrad''s role and is also an artist and set designer for the play.
'His performances are absolutely stunning,' Kunz said. 'I saw him play a role in our first production and he was just amazing.'
The directors of the play also have leading roles and have been involved in several of the five plays produced since last year''s renovation.
'All our volunteers bring such an atmosphere of community and have a real vision of what they want this theater to become,' Kunz said.
Originally opened in 1916 as a burlesque theater for miners in the area, The Empress has also been used as a family movie theater and summer camp for kids. The Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance is dedicated to improving arts in the community and the theater has been a priority. Work on the fa?ade is underway, as are other projects to bring the theater back to its charming beginnings.
Hit songs from the play, such as, 'Put on a Happy Face,' 'Bye Bye Birdie,' 'Kids' and 'A Lot of Livin'' to Do' will be featured in the Magna production.
The original Broadway show featured Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera in a 607-performance run and won Tony''s for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical.
The Empress Theatre is located on Historic Main Street, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna. The show will play on Fridays and Saturdays with tickets ranging from $8 to $10, depending on age. On Mondays all tickets are only $6. For tickets or more information, call (801) 347-7373.
'Call a week or two ahead for tickets if you want to come on Monday,' Kunz said. 'We are always sold out.'