Bye Bye Birdie, a musical romantic comedy film directed by George Sidney, was released.
Bye Bye Birdie is a popular musical comedy that premiered on Broadway in 1960. It features music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams, and a book by Michael Stewart. The story is a satire of the rock and roll phenomenon that was popular in the late 1950s, and it is loosely based on the real-life events surrounding Elvis Presley’s induction into the army.
The plot revolves around Conrad Birdie, a rock and roll superstar who has been drafted into the army. His manager, Albert Peterson, comes up with a scheme to give Conrad a big send-off before he leaves for duty: Conrad will give a farewell performance on the Ed Sullivan Show and then bestow a kiss on a lucky fan from Sweet Apple, Ohio. The fan selected is a teenage girl named Kim MacAfee, and the whole town is thrown into chaos as they prepare for Conrad’s arrival.
The musical features a number of popular songs, including “Put On a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.” It was a huge hit on Broadway, winning four Tony Awards including Best Musical, and it has since been adapted into a number of films, television productions, and stage revivals. Bye Bye Birdie remains a beloved classic of musical theater, known for its catchy tunes, witty humor, and lighthearted spirit.