‘Bye Bye Birdie’ contest for serious fans of musical

Do you consider yourself a card-carrying “Bye Bye Birdie” fanatic? Have you seen the musical 53 times? Can’t get the songs out of your head?

If you proclaim your love for “Bye Bye Birdie” you can win a “Birdie Fanatic” prize package from Village Theatre.

Explain in 150 words or less why you are the biggest fan of “Bye Bye Birdie.” If you are also a fan of Village Theatre, talk about that, too.

Submissions will be judged on the uniqueness of the story, the level of fan-hood, overall creativity and humor. The contest ends Nov. 14.

Two “Birdie Fanatic” winners will be selected, one from Issaquah and one from Everett. The fans will receive:

* Four “Best in House” tickets to Village Theatre’s “Bye Bye Birdie” production;

* A private preshow backstage tour of Village Theatre;

* An opportunity to personally meet members of the cast following the show;

* Loads of “Birdie” fanfare: a “Birdie” poster signed by the cast, a “Birdie” fan button and a Village Theatre T-shirt.

To enter go to www.villagetheatre.org or print out the entry form and mail it to:

“Birdie Fanatic” Contest, c/o Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah, WA 98027.

“Bye Bye Birdie” opens in Issaquah Nov. 8 and runs through Dec. 31. The musical opens Jan. 5 at the Everett Performing Arts Center and runs through Jan. 21.

Whidbey actors prepare for “A Christmas Story”: Whidbey Playhouse has announced the cast for its production of the holiday family memoir, “A Christmas Story,” to be performed Dec. 1-6.

The play will be directed by Sue Riney, with assistant director Linda Walbeck and producer Rosemary Morrison. The cast includes Brett Vagt, Emylie Keehner, Garrett Stahl, Jim Otruba, Karla Moore, Laura Matthews, Lauren Nelson, Lauren Vagt, Ric Packard, Rocco Strain and Sadie Strain.

Tickets will go on sale in November with all seats $14. The playhouse box office is at 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor; call 360-679-2237 or go to www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.