BYE-BYE BIRDIE at Roundabout's Henry Miller Theatre

(Seen 10/21/09)

Charles Strouse/Lee Adams/Michael Stewart's genre musical returns to New York 48 years after its original debut. Unfortunately, the present version doesn't merit our greeting or attention. It comes across as a dated relic, even out-of-touch with its own time.

John Stamos is very personable and Gina Gershon is very lovely and endearing; Bill Irwin is totally out of his element in a bizarre performance. Allie Trimm stands out both in her singing and acting. But the show, seemingly miscast, is loosely directed and choreographed, Musically, the show falters at almost every level. Even such now-classic songs like "Put On A Happy Face" and "A Lot Of Livin' To Do" are musically unsatisfactory in this revival.

So much talent seems to be wasted. I look forward to better things from all involved.