Bye Bye Birdie (1995)

Composer(s):
Charles Strouse

Released in:
1995

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A Fresh Look At Bye Bye Birdie
This is the best version of Bye Bye Birdie I have heard. Jason Alexander and Vannesa Williams are wonderful. Though Kim Macafee lacks the certain charm of Ann Maragaret, she still holds together. When I saw this version, I was amazed. They had given one of America's favorite musicals a fresh look. The added two songs fit perfectly into the score, and there couldn't have been a better cast!

A fun new look at a Broadway Classic
Having seen Bye, Bye Birdie on stage several times before ever seeing the original movie, I was already smitten with the story. I finally gave in and bought the Dick Van Dyke version and, as much as I love Dick Van Dyke, that movie is nowhere near as great as the Broadway show. When the remake came out, I was a little skeptical, but let me tell you, I LOVE IT! Sure, Chynna Phillips hasn't got a lot of experience making movies, but she portrays Kim as a believably naive teenager, which is exactly what she should be, not "sexy" as Ann-Margaret played her. The soundtrack is fabulous and it is great to have audible proof that Jason Alexander is more than just "George" from Seinfeld. Vanessa Williams also does an excellent job as Rosie. George Wendt, as Kim's long suffering father, added just the right amount of comic relief and cynicism to "Kids", and Tyne Daly played the smothering "Mama" to a T. I would recommend this disc to anyone looking for a little bit of fun, toe tapping music, and if you're looking for a little "pick-me-up", this is the album for you. Just try listening to "A Lot of Living To Do" without humming along!

Wonderful Update of a Broadway Classic
Visual elements of this TV version aside, this musical score does a wonderful job updating this music to a 90s audience. The chorus numbers, like The Telephone Hour and the opening Bye Bye Birdie are great, and Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams provide a fresh perspective on their roles. I recommend this soundtrack over the movie version, simply because the quality of the recording is better. It's just plain fun.

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