What: Brillion High School presents the musical comedy "Bye Bye Birdie"

When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday

Where: Endries Performing Arts Center at Brillion High School, W1101 County HR, Brillion

Tickets: $8 adults, $7 senior citizens, $5 K-12 students, free for preschoolers and under. They're available at the door or by reservation in advance. To place a reservation, call the box office and leave a message. The box office will confirm the calls.

Contact: 920-756-9238, ext. 4134

Background: The musical satirizes 1950s American family life, pop culture and rock 'n' roll. Albert, an agent for rock star Conrad Birdie, hopes to make his fortune by promoting a big sendoff for Birdie, who is being drafted into military service. The plan is for Birdie to sing to a young fan on the "Ed Sullivan Show." The chosen teenager, Kim, is from the small Midwestern town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. The town's fuss over Birdie's visit, and Birdie's own antics, cause chaos for Albert.

What they're saying: Director Carole Rajkovich said real-life rock 'n' roller Elvis Presley and his Army draft notice inspired the show's story, and the character name "Conrad Birdie" is wordplay on the name of country music star Conway Twitty, an Elvis rival who originally was slated to play Birdie.

Senior Sarah Rennick, who plays Rosie, Albert's secretary, said one of the show's best traits is its energy.

"It's really upbeat and the songs are all really catchy, and you can tell we have fun with it," said Rennick, 17.

Take-home message: The comedy is a light-hearted look at a pop culture craze of the past.

"It very much pokes fun at the whole Elvis Presley phenomenon, how kids, and adults too, went crazy for him," Rajkovich said. "Good triumphs over the potential ill effects of music and stardom and having a crush on a superstar."