The Senior Center for the Arts, a nonprofit visual & performing arts organization adjacent to the Donelson Senior Center , will open the hit Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie Friday, June 17.
The production features a cast of both professional and community actors as well as a thirty member teen chorus with selected members from High Schools in Nashville , Franklin , Lebanon and Mt. Juliet and MTSU's theatre program.
"The entire community pitches in to make this place happen," says Kaine Riggan SCA's Producing Director and former Director of Performing Arts for the state of Tennessee . "From area corporations to hundreds of hard working volunteers, it's a true regional collaboration and we are so lucky to have this outlet for the arts in Tennessee ."
The Shoney's Corporation donates all of the food in SCA's Dinner Theatre season helping to make the ticket prices affordable (only $20 for dinner and the show). Most recently, First Tennessee has pledged their support in hiring professional Nashville musicians for the orchestra for each of the six musicals in the season.
Bye Bye Birdie is a high energy blast of nostalgia that follows the teens and families in Sweet Apple, Ohio as they prepare for a visit from rock star Conrad Birdie before his going into the Army. It's a comedic take on Elvis Presley's induction into The US Army in the spring of 1958 and his emotional hold on the American teenager at that time.
"Whether you remember the movie with Ann Margaret and Dick Van Dyke or you just like to enjoy a great meal and be thoroughly entertained, this show is definitely for you," promises Jane Schnelle, SCA's Executive Director.
Bye Bye Birdie opens with a special sneak preview performance on Friday, June 17 at 1:00 PM. Dinner shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM through June 26. Dinner is served one hour prior to those showtimes. Reservations may be made at the theatre at 108 Donelson Pike or by calling (615)883-8375.
The second summer musical is Annie Warbucks, Charles Strouse's much anticipated sequel to Annie. It will run July 29 - August 2. For more information on it or any of SCA's programs, visit www.seniorarts.org
