The theatre department had a successful season this past school year, performing renditions of “Seussical the Musical,” “The Curious Savage” and “The Outsiders.” This fall, the St. George’s  thespians, known as the Producitons, are returning with their take on the classic “Bye Bye Birdie.”

“Bye Bye Birdie” is an upbeat musical set in the ’50s about romance and rock ‘n’ roll. Since their last season, the Producitons have undergone many changes. Former chair of the theatre arts, Mr. Marques Brown, announced his resignation late last year, thus sending the administration on a hunt for replacements.

There will be three guest directors this school year, one of which being local actor and director, Mr. Brandon Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence was hired to direct “Bye Bye Birdie” in the latter part of the summer. He said that he is very excited to be working with a new group of students and looks forward to the challenges ahead.

“I can see the potential,” Mr. Lawrence said after the first day of auditions. “I want to try to make it as great an experience as I can. Hopefully [the students] leave better than they came in.”

Many of the auditionees have also expressed their excitement.

“I think it was a very good choice, and it will be fun for our school to do,” senior Mary Helen McCord said with regard to the production. “I am most excited about making new friends and getting to perform with people who share the same interests as me.”

“Bye Bye Birdie” has never been produced at St. George’s before, and Mr. Lawrence has never directed the show himself, so lots of hard work and new tests are at hand.

“I’m excited about everything. I love musical theatre and it’s a true passion of mine,” Robert Grissom, junior and member of the St. George’s Thespian Society, said.

The show runs Nov. 6, 7 and 8 at the Germantown Campus Chapel and Performing Arts Center.