The Athens Community Theater (ACT) will present the musical BYE BYE BIRDIE, lyrics by Lee Adams, music by Charles Strouse, on February 18,19,20,21,25,26,27 in the Sue E. Trotter Theater at The Arts Center in Athens, Tennessee. BYE BYE BIRDIE is sponsored by FSG Bank.

     Directed by Melonie Carideo, with musical direction by Ellen Kimball, the ACT production features 35 singers, actors, and dancers of all ages from throughout the region. Playing principal roles are Ray Rogers as Albert Peterson, Jennifer Nunley as Rosie Alvarez, Zoe Frank as Kim MacAfee, and Aaron Martel as Conrad Birdie.

     BYE BYE BIRDIE is one of the most enduring musical shows of our time. It tells the story of rock and roll singer, Conrad Birdie, who is about to be inducted into the army, and the national publicity blitz his agent plans for a send-off. Conrad will bid a typical American teenage girl goodbye with an all-American kiss. The town of Sweet Apple goes into a spin over the visiting celebrity, whose "One Last Kiss" will be delivered on the Ed Sullivan Show. BYE BYE BIRDIE features great music, great characters, and great satire, all poking fun at the good old American Way.

     Opening night February 18th will begin with a Birdie Bash Reception at 6:30 PM featuring light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Show time is 7:30 PM for all performances except the 2:00 PM matinee on Sunday, February 21st. Tickets for opening night are $20 each. All other performances are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Seating is limited and advance purchase is encouraged.

     Tickets for BYE BYE BIRDIE may be purchased by phone at 423-745-8781, on line at www.athensartscouncil.org, at The Arts Center, 320 North White Street in Athens, Tennessee, or at the door as available.

www.myspace.com/christabelmusic
Blending familiar favorites with modern vintage sounding originals, this southern swing band saunters and sways together with ease.  Based in East Tennessee, the group's Appalachian mountain music gets in the groove with a vintage feel. Christabel will steal your heart with her charismatic stage presence and nostalgic, heartfelt songwriting. Her distinctively sultry vocals serve to bring it all home. Backed by Jon Whitlock on drums and percussion, Mischa Goldman on the upright bass, and Seth Hopper on violin, mandolin, trumpet, and bandoneon, the band has become a popular favorite wherever they go.