Critics Review Bye Bye Birdie

BROADWAY MAGAZINE – Last night the new revival of Bye Bye Birdie opened at the Henry Miller Theatre. Named for a turn of the (last) century actor and producer, Henry Miller is also the name of a provocative American novelist. To paraphrase the opening line from the novelist Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer in consideration of the opening night reviews of the show–This is not a musical revival. Miller fans may continue the analogy with caution at their own discretion.A close reading of 10 opening night reviews of Bye Bye Birdie yields some interesting insights. With the exception of one critic who was quite fond of the production, the other 90% of opening night critics surveyed had many negative things to say about the show. While most critics acknowledged that reviving this musical from a plot and story standpoint is a challenge, they also seemed willing to embrace the silliness of the musical’s plot. However, citing a range of reasons, the majority of opening night critics did not enjoy the production. It is the most negatively reviewed show to date this season.Three Key Take Aways From Broadway Reviews of Bye Bye Birdie

1. Difficulty Singing: Numerous critics noted that many of performers in this revival of the musical Bye Bye Birdie had problems singing. Included in this category was star John Stamos,and Bill Irwin, who one critic suggested should never be encouraged to sing in public again.
2. Colorful: The sets and costumes in this production were extremely colorful. While this did not find favor with all critics, many did express appreciation with the design elements though they were critical of other aspects of the production.
3. Flawed Casting: The concept of “miscasting” was raised in multiple reviews and several instances were cited. While not all critics were in agreement on this point, the majority of critics took issue with multiple casting choices. However, many critics praised the casting of real teens to play teens in the production.

Should You See Bye Bye Birdie On Broadway?Yes, if you like old-fashioned musicals, odd performances, poor singing, moving sidewalks, possible set breakdowns, John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Jayne Houdyshell, Nolan Gerard Funk, Put On A Happy Face, bright colors, screaming teens, are John Simon, revivals, new Broadway theatres, butt-themed dances, over the top comic interpretations, and negatively reviewed productions.

Opening Night Critics Reviews of Bye Bye Birdie

Under director-choreographer Robert Longbottom, this “Birdie” has been completely drained of fun and energy. –Elisabeth Vincentilli, New York Post

The symptoms in this case include tin ear, loss of comic timing, uncontrollable jitters and a prickly disorientation that screams, “Where am I?” and “What am I doing?” Theatergoers may feel an empathetic urge to rush home and bury their heads in their pillows. –Ben Brantley, New York Times

But Robert Longbottom’s miscast, over-designed production rarely musters the energy or effervescence its riot of candy color and teenage hormones might suggest. –David Rooney, Variety

If Stamos seems to disappear into the production, other performers, such as Houdyshell, make their presence known with a comic aggressiveness that diminishes rather than increases the laughter. –Michael Kuchwara, AP

Not to put too fine a point on it, the Roundabout’s revival of “Bye Bye Birdie” is the worst-sung musical I’ve ever seen on Broadway. –Terry Teachout, Wall Street Journal

This is a show both for the kid with you and the kid within you. –John Simon, Bloomberg

Unfortunately, the actual production is thoroughly mediocre; a misdirected, miscast, sluggish mishmash of a normally effervescent musical that probably can be seen to more entertaining effect in any of myriad high school productions that occur annually. –Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

Still, making the most of the show’s great score is the key to any successful production of Birdie, and that’s where Longbottom really comes up short — which is especially frustrating since the show doesn’t require great singers. –Barbara & Scott Siegel, Theatremania

You leave the theater feeling unsatisfied and angry at the Roundabout Theatre Company for messing up yet another classic musical. –Matt Windman, am New York

The choreography is oddly focused on people with their butts sticking out at us. –Linda Winer, Newsday

Tags: Broadway, Broadway Magazine, Broadway.tv, BYE BYE BIRDIE, Gina Gershon, John Stamos, Matrix, Opening Night, Reviews

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