A heartthrob. Stressed producers. A fangirling teen. A jealous boyfriend. Angry parents. And one last kiss. 

This year’s musical is Bye Bye Birdie, a comedy based in the 50s of celebrity, Conrad Birdie, who is giving one last kiss to one lucky fan before he is shipped off to war. On January 31st at 7 p.m. and February 1st at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m the Fine Arts Department will present the musical to the public. 

“I am so excited to open my last high school show and first show at Willis,” senior Sydney Ramsden said. “This cast is so talented and this is an amazing show.”

A team of students and directors have worked nonstop on and off stage for three months preparing for the first show on stage, and for two more shows the following day.

“The musical is a lot of fun,” sophomore Gabriel Benitez said. “I have made a lot of new friends.”

A play is nothing without actors and set, but a 50s based musical is nothing without large set pieces, bright costumes and flashing lights. 

“The costumes are so much fun,” junior Zoelie Leims said. “It is also a great set.  The whole experience has brought me joy.”

The musical has over 40 pieces of music for the pit to prepare and over 20 pieces of music for each cast member to have prepared and memorized, along with choreography. Hundreds of lines must be memorized and put together with witty and quick actions. 

“Memorizing lines is a process that is really fun, stressful but really fun,” senior Jazmine Boston said. “I love every moment of the musical. Theater in general is basically why I wake up in the morning.”

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com and at the door.