Watertown High School Presents 'Bye Bye Birdie'

This week, Watertown High School students are putting the finishing touches on a classic musical - "Bye Bye Birdie."

The show features senior Chris Barry as Albert, junior Melissa Loumi as Rosie Alvarez, sophomore Jake Roche as Conrad Birdie and junior Mary Breen as Kim MacAffee.

Over the past few years, WHS has brought a variety of musicals to the stage, said director Beth Peters, who is working with musical director Dan Wulf.

"I had never done it as a director and it's a classic American show," Peters said. "Last year we did 'Seussical' which is kind of strange, and we have done more adult musicals like 'Guys and Dolls' but this one is about students." 

The show includes 25 WHS students on stage, plus about 10 back stage and six in the orchestra, Peters said. 

Finding enough students at Watertown High School to put on a play can be tough, said Peters, who used to teach at WHS and now works for New Repertory Theatre. 

"It's a challenge every year," Peters said. "Watertown is a relatively small school, and we have to compete with sports and all the other activities."

A core group of students participates every year, Peters said, but she must find the rest.

"You have to chase them down the hall, but once you get them in they are hooked," Peters said.

The show will be at the Watertown High School Auditorium from Thursday, March 7 to Saturday, March 9 (weather permitting). The show begins at 7 p.m. each night and tickets cost $10.