Biggest ‘Birdie’ fan a natural

EVERETT – It was the big break that Samantha Keller needed. She took it.

The guy who was supposed to play the part of pop idol Conrad Birdie in “Bye Bye Birdie” got sick. As sort of a joke, Samantha jumped in as his understudy.

The guy ultimately dropped out. The show went on. A new Conrad Birdie was born.

It was back in sixth grade at Port Susan Middle School in Stanwood when Samantha lived that stardom.

Samantha got a little more Birdie stardust Wednesday night.

Samantha, who is now 14 and in eighth grade, was selected as the winner of Village Theatre’s “Birdie Fanatic” contest. Her prize included a backstage tour and a chance to meet the cast of “Bye Bye Birdie,” now playing at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

It may be difficult for outsiders to understand, but Samantha really was born to play Birdie. She’s addicted to Elvis Presley. The character of Birdie was based on Elvis.

“I love Elvis,” Samantha gushed.

Samantha has collected everything Elvis. Her iPod is packed with Presley. Her room has been redone with the theme of Elvis’ movie, “Blue Hawaii.”

For her winning contest entry, Samantha wrote:

“I’ve loved Elvis forever and when I heard that ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ was based on Elvis, I HAD to be Conrad!! It was the closest to Elvis I could/would ever be. I know every song, dance and line … I even have the original LPs framed and hanging in my room!”

So while Samantha was a natural for the role, certain, ahem, adjustments had to be made, when she played the part. Samantha wore a wig. And the scene where Birdie kisses Sweet Apple, Ohio, teenager Kim MacAfee?

“We had to scratch that part,” Samantha said.

The King will have been dead for 30 years this August. Samantha regrets not having been born in his lifetime. And as for playing Conrad Birdie?

“I would do it all over again.”

Arts writer Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424 or goffredo@heraldnet.com.

Shows at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 7 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 21 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. $22 to $46, 425-257-8600 or 888-257-3722, www.villagetheatre.org.