BuckysGirl16 Review of Bye Bye Birdie

Bye Bye Birdie (1995 TV Movie)

Closely based on the original Broadway version, but could have been better.

[5/10 · 27 March 2019]

While this version is more based on the original Broadway production than the 1963 version (with Ann-Margret), it still isn't without it's flaws. Vanessa Williams is exquisite as Rosie Alvarez (even more than Janet Leigh was in the old version), likewise Marc Kudisch makes a credible Conrad Birdie, plus Tyne Daley is spot on as Mae Peterson. However, Jason Alexander is woefully miscast as Albert Peterson! I don't know why they actually chose to cast him in a role that was originated by Dick Van Dyke, especially since he is neither handsome nor half as charming as Van Dyke. I also wish that the ending could have also emphasized Kim and Hugo's rekindling romance, along with Albert and Rosie's. Plus it would have been nicer if they had it so that Conrad Birdie's fangirls arrive at the train station to bid him goodbye at the end (just like in the original Broadway version), which would have ended it even more on a slightly happier note.