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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Bye, Bye Birdie Scene Too Risque for Broadway

Revival will be even more PC than high school productions

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(Newser) – High school drama clubs have been putting on Bye Bye Birdie for nearly 50 years—apparently they didn’t realize they've been staging a certain scene so risque it makes Broadway blush. The upcoming Broadway revival will cut a dance sequence featuring Rose cavorting on and around a table with a group of fez-adorned men. Why? “It seemed a little too gang rape-y,” says Gina Gershon, who stars as Rose.

Cast members of the Broadway musical
Cast members of the Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie" from left, Paul Lynde, Gretchen Wyler, Kay Medford, and Gene Rayburn at the Shubert Theatre in New York, in this April 14, 1961 file photo.   (AP Photo)
Nolan Funk, dressed in character as 'Conrad Birdie' at the 'Bye Bye Birdie' box office opening at the Henry Miller's Theatre on August 10, 2009 in New York City.
Nolan Funk, dressed in character as 'Conrad Birdie' at the 'Bye Bye Birdie' box office opening at the Henry Miller's Theatre on August 10, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Gina Gershon and John Stamos attend the ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Henry Miller's Theatre on July 28, 2009 in New York City.
Gina Gershon and John Stamos attend the ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Henry Miller's Theatre on July 28, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
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4 comments
VIEWING:
 
2-bits
Aug 24, 09 8:52 AM CDT
I saw the Hair revival on a recent trip to New York. If you don't know, there is a scene where everyone strips their clothes. This seems pretty mundane in comparison. Reply
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0
Derni
Aug 24, 09 10:43 AM CDT
Damn-I didn't know Fox moved to Broadway! Reply
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+1
DeniseVB
Aug 24, 09 10:57 AM CDT
Doesn't West Side Story still have the scene where the Jets try to assault Anita? Reply
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bacimom
Aug 28, 09 10:56 AM CDT
What if we switched from a fez to a hood? Reply
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