PHS tackles popular musical

Palmer High School senior Keith Kenley has never gotten up on stage before, but that isn't holding him back, as he is playing the lead role in Bye Bye Birdie, which opens Thursday at the school.

Kenley said his sports schedule hasn't afforded him the time to get involved with drama. His first foray into acting is going well, he said.

"I always wanted to do a musical, and this year I had the time," Kenley said. "This is my first time since first grade I think."

The show is being directed by Grant Olson, a longtime VPA director, and the musical direction is being handled by Stan Harris, the PHS music teacher. That has brought a new element to the production, said Kenni Psenak, another actor in the production.

"Having him directing makes you want to step up more. You want to show him that Palmer High School can do it," she said.

Hal Willardson, who plays Hugo Peabody, said having an experienced director has made a big difference.

"We have a lot of newcomers, and Mr. Olson has made us very professional," Willardson said.

With such a large cast --there are about 35 in the cast and crew, including an orchestra -- getting all the students together has been tough, but still, everyone is excited about the production.

"It's a real energetic show. You get excited when you see it coming together," said Augusta McAlhany.

The lead roles are being played by Skyler Polanta (Conrad Birdie), Kenley (Albert Peterson), Austin Roach (Mr. MacAfee), LouAnne Harris (Rose), Psenak (Mae Peterson), Augusta McAlhany (Mrs. MacAfee), Willardson (Hugo Peabody) and Stephanie Meneses (Kim MacAfee).

The production opens at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Palmer High School theater. On Friday, there is a noon show for PHS students, and a 7 p.m. performance. Bye Bye Birdie closes with two shows on Saturday, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.