Laurie & Joseph Zaepfel

This classic musical from the 1960s about an Elvis-type singer saying farewell to his fans before going into the army is given a wonderful treatment in the 1995 version with Jason Alexander as the songwriter Albert Peterson. Unlike the movie version from the 60s, this new movie sticks close to the plot of the stage version, adding several great new songs, including one for Albert's overbearing mother, played by Tyne Daly. So many things are right about this production--the teens are played by actors close to the right age, the musical/dance numbers are well done and fun to watch, the setting is charming. The casting is terrific across the board--Vanessa Williams is great as Albert's long-suffering girlfriend and secretary, Chynna Phillips makes a great Kim McAfee, and George Wendt is wonderful as Kim's bumbling dad. Marc Kudisch embodies Conrad Birdie. Our family loves this film. Highly recommended.