In The News: NHS making 'Bye Bye Birdie' its own

Written by: Seth Gordon, Newberg Graphic

Drama — A large set from new drama director, individualized approaches to each character will make for a unique show

With a new drama director, new choir director and a limited rehearsal schedule, things have been a bit hectic at Newberg High School as the theater department prepares to stage “Bye Bye Birdie” beginning this week.

That’s not to say that the transition from longtime drama instructor Drea Ferguson to incoming mentor Mike McConaughey hasn’t been a good one.

Coordinating all of the different pieces involved with producing a musical amid such a transition, plus a few added challenges unique to this production, however, has required a major effort on everyone’s part.

As opening night has approached, McConaughey said he has been impressed with the dedication and flexibility shown by the students.

“Rehearsals take on different shapes because of the set or because of music or because of concerts that are right before the show, yet they just soldier on and do the best they can do with what they have,” McConaughey said. “I’ve been really impressed by that.”

Longtime parent volunteer Curt Eilert has significantly aided in the transition, assuming the role of artistic director for this production, which has also allowed McConaughey to focus on the role of technical director. He has also been freed up because the school has its own musical leader in band director Joel Tanner and vocal coach in new choir director Matthew Fletcher.

McConaughey said he could have taken on artistic directing duties, but it certainly would’ve been more chaotic than it already has been, plus he wouldn’t have been able to simply observe and get to know his many new students as he thinks ahead for future productions that he will direct.

“Considering he co-directed many of the shows, having him be the main director for the actors this show, it’s been a really nice transition to be able to get used to Mr. Mac but not have so many things that people freak out like they sometimes do,” senior Luke Hartley said of Eilert. “But having Mr. Mac also have a big role in the show as technical director has been really nice and has worked really well.”

Coming from C.S. Lewis Academy, where he was drama director and secondary principal, McConaughey has enjoyed all that Drea Ferguson Auditorium has to offer as a venue.

Working with a technical crew of 17, including student directors Abby Mortenson and Ashley Modjeski, McConaughey has led construction of a large and complicated two-story set complete with revolving panels that help transition the décor from scene to scene.

The large set, along with the fact that rehearsals and set construction were put on pause for a few fall music concerts, had added another level of complexity to a production that was already technically challenging.

Hartley, who will play Albert in half of the performances of the dual-casted production, said the actors have found it challenging to get their various stage and musical cues down, learn the new set and stay on top of their props and costumes, all while keeping their energy up for long rehearsals.

His focus, personally, has been bringing an acting element to his singing, which has forced him to grow as both an actor and a musician.

According to student director Reid Dolyniuk, the cast is putting its own spin on the spoof of Elvis Presley and 1950s culture spoof by bringing something personal to each role.

Dolyniuk, who watched dozens of different productions of the play in preparation, pointed to Kylee Duey and Elsie McConaughey’s portrayals of Mrs. Peterson as a great example.

“In others shows, she’s just been a mean only lady,” Dolyniuk said. “She’s just mean, but our Mrs. Peterson is so funny, not just the mean. They bring a whole other side of the character that makes you want to like her even though she’s a horrible person.”

The first set of shows will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with another series set for 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14.

Dolyniuk has also been impressed with the effort of the students in the cast and crew, who stay after school until 7 p.m. or later every day to prepare and rehearse.

“I get tired just sitting there watching, but they’re singing, dancing and completely involved in the scene shows how much they care about this,” he said. “That’s why it’s going to be a good show.”