‘Bye Bye Birdie’ Spreads its Wings at The Phantom Projects – Review
The Tony Award Winning “Bye Bye Birdie” spreads its wings, soaring with the eagles at The Phantom Projects Theatre in La Habra, CA.
Running through June 21, 2026, theis beloved musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” arrives at The Phantom Projects Theatre an intimate La Habra, CA, venue with a cast of more than 20 performers squeezed onto a stage of roughly 500 sq. ft. Under the guidance of founder and artistic director Steve Cisneros, director and choreographer Alan M-L Wager, assistant director Yolanda Rubio-Soto and additional choreographer Sue Erickson-Gehringer, the production operates like a well-oiled machine from opening curtain to final bow.
What immediately stands out is the minimalist staging. Housing a single platform at center stage, the set transforms seamlessly into train stations, a town square, a living room, bedroom, a bar, a nightclub, a Shriners meeting and even a movie theater. Through inventive blocking, clever choreography and constant movement, the creative team makes every transition feel effortless. The audience is never distracted by what is missing because the performers and staging fill every available inch with life and energy.
Even more impressive is how naturally the cast navigates the confined playing space while also using the aisleway. Large production numbers never look cramped and scenes featuring nearly the entire company maintain total focus. The result is a production that moves with speed, confidence and a purpose that its two-and-a-half-hour running time feels closer to an hour and 20 minutes.
Matthew Rodriguez Kleeburg anchors the show as Albert Peterson, bringing a nervous yet charming energy to the perpetually overwhelmed manager and mama’s boy. Opposite him, Maddie Ellingson McMullin incredible as Rose Alvarez, delivering dedication, determination, desire and powerful vocals while providing the emotional heart of the story in this interracial romance.
As Conrad Birdie, Bruno A. Satalino captures the rock-and-roll swagger that sends Sweet Apple, OH, into a frenzy. While the Elvis influence feels a bit heavy-handed early on, he settles comfortably into the role as the evening progresses. For those unfamiliar with “Bye Bye Birdie“, it was heavily influenced when Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army in the 1950s.
Sherry Domerego earns consistent belly laughs as the overbearing Mama Mae Peterson, while Teo Langer brings sincerity and likability to the mild mannered boyfriend standing his ground as Hugo Peabody.
Reese Chavez is always impressive, especially this go-around as Kim MacAfee. An audio issue during the first act of the production muddied her sound making her come across as slightly pitchy, but once corrected, her vocal strength became one of the show’s highlights, especially when matched up with McMullin.
Two performers where this productions scene stealers. Justin T. Bowler is comedic gold as Mr. MacAfee, delivering every line with such precision, he could give Paul Lynde (Mr. MacAfee in the film adaption) a run for his money. Ethan Puente, appearing as Harvey Johnson and throughout the ensemble, commits fully to every moment onstage, proving that memorable performances are not measured by line count. To quote WWE Superstar Jacob Fatu, he’s, “…all gas and no breaks.”
However, the evening’s showstopper wass Hayden Sara Radonsky as Ursula. Every exaggerated gesture, facial expression, shrill scream and movement choice lands perfectly. Radonsky possesses the rare ability to draw the audience’s attention even in crowded scenes and frequently stealing focus from everyone around her. Her performance was fearless, energetic and definitely, unforgettable.
The ensemble is equally vital to the production’s success. Geovanna Quiroz as Mrs. Mayor, Daina Bowler as Mrs. MacAfee, Braxton Bowler as Randolph MacAfee, Christian Bernardo as Mr. Johnson, Ben Griffithe as Mr. Mayor, Georgia Kate as Gloria, Alora Kinley as Mrs. Merkel, Jacob George Koclanis as Freddie, Ariana Nin as Margie, Jacob Rushing as Karl, Scarlett Von Sittenfield as Penelope and Ethan Trejo as Maude create a Sweet Apple, OH, that is so inviting, you want to hop on a train to go for a visit.
Two other tiny hiccups, aside from the sound, were the sign indicating the Birdie had arrived in Sweet Apple would not retract, but turned into a piece of the town scenery. Another small incident was that the use as flag was brought out and almost knocked over, of the performers were each able to grab a side, steadying it, making look like it was apart of the natural choreography. Showing just how talent this cast is to work around miniscule situations, turning them into memorable moments.
John Massey’s musical direction keeps the cast sharp and synchronized especially relying on prerecorded accompaniment, turning them into a Swiss watch, never missing a beat. Stage manager Bailey Stockhecke and assistant stage manager Briana Sanchez maintain smooth transitions and a brisk pace throughout. Antonio Beach’s scenic design proves that imagination matters more than square footage. Costuming by Zoe Wilber, assisted by Andy Conde, effectively defines both character and era. Jacob Antisdel’s sound design supports the production well, Emily Hood’s wig design enhances the period aesthetic and production manager Sarah Keilman keeps the many moving parts running seamlessly. Production intern Nataliie Baserga also contributes to the teamwork that makes the production succeed.
“Bye Bye Birdie” from now through June 21, 2026, at The Phantom Projects Theatre.
To purchase tickets for “Bye Bye Birdie” visit: https://thephantomprojectstheatre.com/birdie/. Discounts are available for La Habra residents, students and seniors.
All official photos are by capturedby.alexis. Follow capturedby.alexis on Instagram @capturedby.alexis.
The Phantom Projects Theatre is located at:
311 South Euclid St.
La Habra, CA 90631
4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾
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