"Bye Bye Birdie," which has been touted as one of the most captivating musicals of our time, is making a comeback at Highland Park High School in September. This Broadway hit was last performed at HPHS 50 years ago in 1963.

This musical, which is set in the late '50s, is a pop culture satire inspired by singer and movie idol Elvis Presley and the widespread teen angst caused by his 1957 draft notice into the army.

The story follows rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie (Rodman Steele) in the days before he's set to leave for the army. Agent Albert Petersen (Sam Malone) and his secretary/love interest Rosie Alvarez (Rachel Pride) spin one last publicity stunt where one teen fan will receive a goodbye kiss from Birdie on the nationally televised "Ed Sullivan Show." The lucky winner is Kim MacAfee (Delaney Seebold), who lives in the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. When Birdie arrives in Sweet Apple, chaos ensues after he is greeted by a mob of screaming teenage girls. Kim's new steady, Hugo Peabody (Travis Warren), is not too keen on the thought of his girlfriend kissing Birdie on national television. Parents go a little crazy at the prospect of sudden fame, and Birdie decides to teach the local teens how to party — rock and roll style. 

This musical will delight audiences with a captivating storyline, exciting choreography, and contagious songs, such as “Put On A Happy Face,” “Telephone Hour” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do." 

Performances in the HPHS Palmer Auditorium, 4220 Emerson, will be held on Saturdays, September 7 and 14 at 7 p.m. and Sundays, September 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 3 at the Fine Arts Box Office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each show time. Ticket prices are $10 for reserved seating and $8 for general admission. For further information, please call 214-780-3881.