Calvin Theatre Company Reimagines Bye Bye Birdie with ASL-Integrated Lead Role
What if the central character in Bye Bye Birdie was deaf?
That question sparked a bold reimagining by the Calvin Theatre Company - resulting in a production where the lead role of Kim MacAfee is performed by two actors simultaneously: one through American Sign Language (ASL) and one through spoken word and song, together forming a single, unified character.
Running April 10鈥11 and 17鈥18, the production not only marks the return of musical theatre to Calvin鈥檚 stage but also introduces a powerful new model for inclusive storytelling.
Directed by Brad Cain, the show integrates ASL directly into the fabric of the performance. Additionally, two performances, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 18 at 2:00 p.m., will feature full ASL interpretation, expanding access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
鈥淔rom the moment this idea surfaced, it changed how we saw the entire story,鈥 said Cain. 鈥淜im has always wanted to be seen as mature and fully understood. Viewing her as deaf adds a new layer to that journey, one that resonates in powerful ways.鈥
Eleanor Plutz '28 (right), a triple major in therapeutic recreation, social work, and religion, is cast as Kim MacAfee in Calvin's performance of Bye Bye Birdie. Read Plutz's story.
Set in the late 1950s, Bye Bye Birdie follows teen rock-and-roll star Conrad Birdie, who in a last-ditch publicity stunt agrees to give one final televised kiss to a randomly selected fan, turning the small town upside down.
For this production, that moment carries new meaning. The dual portrayal of Kim reflects both how the world sees her and how she sees herself, bringing depth to themes of identity, perception, and belonging.
The approach has shaped the entire production process. Cast members have learned elements of ASL, collaborated with interpreters, and worked together to create a more accessible and representative performance.
Performance Schedule:
April 10, 11, 17, and 18
- Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
ASL-Interpreted Performances:
- April 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- April 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Performances will take place in the Gezon Auditorium on 茄子视频鈥檚 campus.
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