We love you Conrad, oh yes we do!

Teen idol and rocker Conrad Birdie will make his debut tonight at 8 at Schwab Auditorium in the Penn State Thespians' production of Bye, Bye, Birdie.

The show's plot revolves around the eight-year love affair between aspiring chemist and songwriter Albert Peterson and his secretary Rosie DeLeon. With Rosie pressuring Albert to leave the songwriting business, Albert is convinced he can strike it rich and finally marry Rosie if he can get Conrad Birdie, who was recently drafted into military duty, to kiss a fan goodbye on The Ed Sullivan Show.

"Rosie is getting antsy," director Elaine Meder-Wilgus said. "Albert needs to turn Conrad into an overnight star and, of course, nothing goes as planned."

Meder-Wilgus has directed many plays in the State College area and is the co-owner of Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St.

She said the great thing about this show is that many of the cast and crew have done the play before, and audience members will surely recognize some of its catchy songs like, "Put on a Happy Face," "We Love You Conrad" and "Kids."

"We share stories of past productions," Meder-Wilgus said. "And this show is more creative than any high school production the cast has ever done."

For those who have seen Bye, Bye Birdie, Meder-Wilgus said the Thespians' performance will be unlike any other rendition.

"I don't use traditional sets," Meder-Wilgus said. "Our set designer has created incredible sets, and as for the cast, I like to work them into the sets."

Meder-Wilgus said the cast has been professional throughout the whole process and is always willing to take chances. The cast even embraced the challenge to do the song "100 Ways Ballet," one that requires an elaborate and impressive dance sequence.

"This is a fun musical with really good music and dancing," said Andrew Kankey (graduate-theater), who plays Albert Peterson. Kankey said the audience will enjoy watching Albert discover himself throughout the play.

Kankey has worked with Meder-Wilgus at the Boal Barn Playhouse in Boalsburg, and said she is one of the most creative directors he has ever worked with.

The Penn State Thespians began working on the production in early February. Along with the help of some faculty advisors, the cast is made up of Thespians as well as non-members who are undergraduate students at Penn State.

Liza Poor (senior-theatre arts) has many roles in the group: historian, alumni liaison, ensemble member, marketing chair, props mistress and costumer. Although she is very busy will her responsibilities, she said she loves being both onstage and on the production crew.

"Kids" is my favorite number because I get to be a grumpy old woman!" Poor said. "It's a fun show and you'll come and laugh your butt off. Elaine [Meder-Wilgus] has created a fun atmosphere the audience will love."