'Birdie' lands on Parlin stage tomorrow night PHOTOSBY MICHAEL ACKER Above: Rehearsing a scene for "Bye Bye Birdie" are Taylor Bera (standing, from left), Maggie Bera, Stephanie Sherman, Patsy Palma, Nicole Vask and Rachel Chiebowski, and (kneeling) Allie Wertheim and Kimberly Carpluk. At left: Stephanie Sherman, 21, of Marlboro and Chris Grimm, 19, of Sayreville hold hands at a rehearsal Monday. The Main Street Theatre Company will present the play over the next two weekends. SAYREVILLE - A local cast that includes many who were not yet born when the show opened on Broadway is gearing up to present "Bye Bye Birdie" this weekend. The Main Street Theatre Company, known for bringing dramas, comedies and musicals to life in Sayreville, will present "Bye Bye Birdie," a musical comedy that first hit the stage in 1960. The theater company has prepared new sets, costumes and choreography for its take on the play, which is set in 1958 and focuses on a rock 'n' roll superstar. Vic Morosco, president and founder of the theater troupe, is directing the cast of about 35 actors. Most cast members are either residents of Sayreville or nearby towns. "We have an excellent cast," he said. The show has musical direction from David Raunick and choreography by Liat Pearlman and Susan Zuckerman. The show cost roughly $12,000 to stage, which Morosco said is less than usual. Morosco expressed gratitude to the troupe's subscribers for their support. Old Bridge resident Alexandra Perrotta, 16, who plays "Rosie," said she has been looking forward to this play. "I love performing for people," Perrotta said. "I love to be on stage and this is one of my favorite roles. I have always wanted to be 'Rosie.' Her character is a lot of fun. She has to be sophisticated and sexy at the same time." Twelve-year-old Maggie Bera, of Parlin, has been acting since she was 8. She has been eagerly anticipating the opening of "Bye Bye Birdie." "I'm so excited," Maggie said. "I can't wait." The play will open tomorrow at 8 p.m. at the Main Street Theatre at Garden Friends, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin. Subsequent performances are at 8 p.m. on Aug. 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Adult admission is $20; $18 for seniors and students. Admission for children under 12 years old is $12. Call (732) 553-1153 or visit www.smstc.org for more information.