Issaquah John Farrey, a Stanwood High School junior, has enjoyed playing in the ensemble of Village Theatres Bye Bye Birdie in Issaquah, and he is happy the show will soon be moving to Everett.
I went to high school in Bellevue and stayed with some releatives,?Farrey said adding the worst part about living down there was the traffic, although it was also a challenge stepping into a new school on a temporary basis. He also noted that while living in Bellevue it seemed like a 10 minute drive anywhere he wanted to go.
Farrey said playing in the professional theater production has been very rewarding.
Its a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun,?Farrey said. He has been involved in Village Theatres Kidstage program for 11 years, starting his acting career in SKY?Theatres Peter Pan many years ago. He also had a role in SHSs Footloose and will be in the upcoming Godspell.
Rehearsals for Godspell start in January so I will be rehearsing for that show at the same time as singing and dancing in Bye Bye Birdie.
Farrey hopes a lot of friends and neighbors will go to Everett to see the show.
Its a great show with lots of young talent,?he said. Farrey will receive a vocational credit toward his high school diploma for his time acting in the professional production.
Just five days before the end of the run of Village Theatres Bye Bye Birdie, in Issaquah, Jason Collins is leaving the lead role as mamas boy Albert Peterson, to join a national tour of Annie, currently in its second year touring the country.
Bye Bye Birdie opens in Everett Friday, Jan. 5 with Dane Stokinger as Albert. The show runs through Jan. 21 at the Everett Performing Arts Center.
Stokingers career highlights include playing Chris in the national tour of Miss Saigon and he was a part of the ensemble in a European tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
He was also last seen in an ensemble role in Village Theatres production of Evita and was understudy in the role of Che.
Alberts ornery mother, Mrs. Peterson, is played by Seattle legend Laura Kenny, who was last seen in Village Theatres The Music Man and Steel Magnolias. Broadway actor Stacey Harris plays Rosie. Dan Connor plays Birdie and Cara Rudd plays Kim MacAfee.
Days away from enlisting in the Army, pop idol Conrad Birdie is preparing for one last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to bid one lucky teenage girl goodbye with an all-American kiss.
The winner of the contest, Kim MacAfee, and the rest of Sweet Apple, Ohio have their lives turned upside-down by Conrads arrival, while his manager, Albert juggles publicity pressures, a marriage-minded sweetheart and a meddling mother. Lots of laughs, loveable tunes, and a measure of merry nostalgia make this four-time Tony Award-winner a true American classic.
Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most hilarious musical satires to hit the stage, with humable melodies and songs the whole family can enjoy, said Robb Hunt, executive producer for Village Theatre. Were thrilled to produce this family-friendly gem again [originally on stage at Village Theatre in March 1981] and look forward to making this an extra special holiday season for our patrons.
Were excited to welcome back Laura Kenny, one of our all-time favorite comedic actors, added Steve Tomkins, artistic director for Village Theatre. The entire cast is superb and will deliver a fun, one-of-a-kind performance.
Cara Rudd makes her Village Theatre Mainstage debut by taking on the role of smitten teen fan, Kim MacAfee. A regular at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Centerstage Theatre, and Seattle Childrens Theatre, Rudd was most recently on stage playing Liesel in The 5th Avenue Theatres The Sound of Music and as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
The production is directed and choreographed by VT artistic director Steve Tomkins, with music direction by Bruce Monroe.
Tickets for Bye Bye Birdie are available at the Village Theatres Box Office at 425-392-2202 or 866-688-8849 (Issaquah) and 425-257-8600 or 888-257-3722 (Everett) or online at www.villagetheatre.org.

Bye Bye Birdie Cast List:
Tessa Archer Ursula
Nicole Boote Gloria/Ensemble/Rosie Cover
Shannon Campbell Trio
Megan Chenovick Mrs. Merkle
Dane Stoknger Albert
Dan Connor Conrad Birdie
Gabe Corey Boy Ensemble
Casey Craig Harvey
Kristin Culp Dance Captain
John Deveney Mr. MacAfee
John Farrey Boy Ensemble
Meaghan Foy Trio
Hugh Hastings Mayor /Mr. MacAfee
Stacey Harris Rosie
Jeffrey Hitchin Quartet
Jack Jarvis Boy Ensemble
Laura Kenny Mrs. Peterson
Frances King Mrs. MacAfee
Brian Lange Quartet
Morgan McFalls Randolph
Ellen McLain Mayors Wife/ Mrs. MacAfee Cover
Elizabeth Nestlerode Girl Ensemble
Kasey Nusbickel Debra Sue/ Kim Cover
Sean OBannon Quartet/ Albert Cover
Rebecca Orts Alice
Brandon Peterson Boy Ensemble/ Hugo Cover
Justin Ramsey – Ensemble
Cara Rudd Kim
John Scott Hugo
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Understudies
Doug Fahl Male Swing
Mike Klinge Randolph Standby
Kelly Middleton Girl Ensemble Swing