This past season at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre has been stunning, with Mary Poppins, The Last Five Years, Waitress, and the national tour of Parade. Now comes a show that’s been around for over 65 years but has never been done at the 5th Avenue—until now.
Set in the wholesome town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of songwriter Albert Peterson and his savvy secretary—and sweetheart—Rosie Alvarez, who hatch a publicity stunt to send rock ’n’ roll sensation Conrad Birdie off to the Army with a televised farewell kiss for one lucky fan. But when Conrad arrives, the quiet town erupts into chaos, teenage hysteria, and unexpected romance.
Featuring iconic songs like “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” and “Kids,” this fresh staging brings bold new energy to a beloved classic, celebrating the humor, heat, and hysteria of American pop culture.
“Bye Bye Birdie may wear a nostalgic smile, but beneath that surface, it’s a sharp satire,” said Bill Berry, Executive Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre Company. “It pokes fun at America’s obsession with fame, the power of pop culture, and the way one teen idol can send an entire town spinning. It’s a musical that knew long before social media that fame could be absurd, addictive, and a little bit dangerous. It’s as relevant today as it was in 1960.”
I had a chance to chat with Gresham over zoom for a preview.
On Her Role as Dawn in Waitress:
I think it’s rare with a comedic role to also get the opportunity to be serious or heartfelt. Dawn is a very well-written character because I got to be part of the trio in a way that was really meaningful.
She’s very honest, and everything with her comes from the heart. But at the same time, because of the scenes with Ogie, I got to do some really fun, wild, physical comedy.
So it was the best of all worlds. I’ve played a lot of comedic roles before where you get pigeonholed into only being funny. There’s not really any other flavor to you.
Dawn had so many awesome flavors to navigate, and that made it the most rewarding experience, for sure.
On Playing Gloria (a self-described tap dancer) Rasputin in Bye Bye Birdie:
So the jury’s out. It remains to be seen. That’ll be a surprise for whoever comes to see the show—if that means she’s good [at tap dancing] or not!
Tori vs. Gloria:
Well, again, another great comedic role—and I love a period piece.
She’s a very stereotypical figure you might imagine from the ’50s or ’60s: lots of big, teased hair, bright nail colors, and bold makeup. The first thing I thought of when I read the script and auditioned for Gloria was that Dolly Parton story—how she modeled herself after the “cheapest-looking” woman in town, because she thought she was the prettiest.
I think Gloria is like that. In her mind, she is the absolute pinnacle of glamour. She’s authentically herself, which is the best angle for a comedy role because you just play the truth—she has no idea that she’s funny.
She ends up being this hilarious, tap-dancing secretary who’s just moving through life the best she can. It’s a smaller role than Dawn—I kind of tap on in and tap on out—which is great for me.
It’s an easy summer filled with laughter… and some stretching, because she may or may not land in the splits at some point in the show.
Hidden Passion:
I’m a certified yoga instructor. I’m not currently teaching anywhere, but it’s part of my personal practice.
I take myself through routines, and it’s a lovely hobby. It keeps me in shape, keeps me Zen in this crazy business. I’ve been certified for almost 10 years now.
Dream Role:
There are so many! And I’m actually very lucky that I’ve gotten to play some of the ones that were on my bucket list.
I’m aging into a new bracket now—you know, from 20–25, to 25–33, and now into the next one. I just checked into the “30 and up” box—however old I can look on stage!
So there are some new goals and new dreams. Speaking of Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is an incredible musical with some insanely amazing female roles—empowering, funny, and vocally demanding. I love that kind of stuff.
I also love old-school musicals—the classics or anything in that style, especially when they get reimagined. There’s a wonderful musical called Wonderful Town that I’ve always wanted to do. It doesn’t get done often.
And I’m just excited for this next era of possibilities. I’ve also always wanted to play Fiona in Shrek, so I’m putting that out into the universe! That role has everything—dancing, comedy, singing. That’s a dream, for sure.
On the Legacy of Birdie Composer Charles Strouse:
Oh, such a good question. When you listen to the songs of Bye Bye Birdie, you realize how many tunes people know—without even knowing they’re from that musical.
“Put on a Happy Face,” for example—so many people know it. Back in the day, these songs got radio airtime or were covered by pop artists, so they became hits in their own right. But most people don’t realize they started in musical theater.
It’s so timely that we’re doing this now—not just because Charles Strouse recently passed away, but because we get to remind audiences that these iconic songs are part of our American musical history.
His music is joyful. And in such a dark time for so many people, it’s the kind of toe-tapping, feel-good musical theater that reminds us everything’s going to be okay.
There’s a time and place for activism, but there’s also a time and place for singing your troubles away. I hope that’s the legacy people feel through Bye Bye Birdie—that sometimes, we just need to put on a happy face.
Bye Bye Birdie runs from June 10 to 29 at The 5th Avenue Theatre, located at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA. Tickets are available now at www.5thavenue.org, by calling 206.625.1900, or by visiting the box office.
