CYT Houston performs Bye Bye Birdie at Crighton

CONROE — The golden age of rock 'n' roll is set to take over downtown Conroe this summer as Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Houston brings the high-energy musical Bye Bye Birdie to the historic Crighton Theatre.

Running for two weekends, from July 21-23 and July 28-30, the production serves as a centerpiece for the organization’s summer programming, showcasing the talents of over 50 local students ranging from ages 8 to 18.

Set in the late 1950s, the Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a hip-swiveling rock star who is drafted into the U.S. Army. In a last-ditch effort to save his career and boost record sales, his agent, Albert Peterson, and his long-suffering secretary, Rosie Alvarez, orchestrate a farewell publicity stunt in the sleepy town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. The result is a comedic exploration of teenage fandom, generational friction, and the burgeoning pop culture revolution of the era.

For the young cast, the play serves as a time capsule. While the performers were born decades after the 1950s, director Andrea Litterst noted that the show’s themes remain universally relatable.

"The beauty of Bye Bye Birdie is that it perfectly captures the universal experience of growing up," said Litterst. "Whether it’s the excitement of a crush or the push-and-pull between parents and their children, our students are finding a lot of themselves in these characters."

The production promises a full-scale theatrical experience, featuring a live orchestra led by musical director Amy Jackson and period-specific choreography designed by Chelsea Lovett.

The Crighton Theatre, a landmark venue at 234 N. Main St., provides an authentic backdrop for the production. Since its opening in 1935, the theater has served as a cultural hub for Conroe, making it an ideal setting for a show that celebrates the spirit of mid-century Americana.

CYT Houston, which operates chapters across the region, emphasizes that this production is about more than just entertainment. It is an extension of their mission to build "character and creativity in kids of all ages." Through intensive rehearsals and collaborative performance, organizers say the students develop leadership skills, discipline, and confidence that extend well beyond the stage.

Showtimes for the production are as follows:

Friday, July 21 and July 28 at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 22 and July 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 23 and July 30 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are currently available for purchase and are priced at $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, and $18 for children aged 2-12. Families and theater enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early, as CYT productions frequently sell out.

Tickets can be purchased online at cytmontgomery.org or at the Crighton Theatre box office immediately prior to each performance. For more information on the production or to learn more about the CYT Houston program, visit the website or follow their local updates on social media.