Theatre Aspen adds new staff, and a new production

A new chapter in Theatre Aspen Education’s history is underway, with two new leaders joining its education team and the 2025 fall show about to begin.

In a tribute to a bygone era, the musical inspired by Elvis Presley, “Bye Bye Birdie,” will be performed at 7 p.m. daily on Nov. 13, 14, and 15, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Performances will take place at Aspen District Theatre, located at 199 High School Rd.

“Our students were tasked with portraying larger than life characters and finding the vivacity of this classic show. Their efforts, drive, and joy shine through in the performance of this timeless story,” Theatre Aspen Co-Director of Education Alicia Millerson said.

The musical, set in the 1950s, is inspired by the life of the king of rock ‘n’ roll and based on the book by Michael Stewart. The story follows teen idol Conrad Birdie, who has been drafted into the United States Army. During a publicity stunt, Birdie plans to kiss a random groupie on television when a small-town girl’s jealous boyfriend causes chaos to ensue.

Jumping right in, the two new leaders of Theatre Aspen’s education have roles in the musical. The new Co-Director of Education Caitlin Cremin directs, and the new Resident Teaching Artist and Education Coordinator John Konstantopoulos, who joined the team in October, is the musical director.

“It’s been such a pleasure watching our new education team members, Caitlin and John, take the helm of this show and lead with humor and heart,” Millerson said.

The Broadway musical originally premiered in 1960 in New York City and was later adapted into both a film version in 1963 and a television show in 1995. 

The show continues to be popular, in part due to its infectious musical score. The music is composed by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Lee Adams. The musical boasts famous songs, like “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” and “The Television Hour,” which offer opportunities for teen solo performances and exciting choreography.

“‘Bye Bye Birdie’ is a stylized retro musical, and the songs require specific singing styles to accurately showcase this playful story,” Konstantopoulos said. “It’s been a great experience to explore these styles with this cast of young and talented performers. I believe the audience will feel the joy that they feel on stage!”

Cremins, who directs the musical, holds a master of fine arts from Emerson College in theatre and applied theater. She is also an actor, singer, and teaching artist. She will work closely with Millerson and believes that “good theatre makes good people,” according to a press release. 

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Konstantopoulos is a performer who is also experienced in theater and music education. He recently taught choir and theatre in Basalt Middle School, where he directed “Footloose.” Among his many accomplishments, he served as an assistant music director for a live performance of “TACTICAL parallax” by Matthew Barney, which premiered at the 2025 Aspen Art Museum’s AIR festival.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, available at theatreaspen.org/bye-bye-birdie.