Cast set for Roundabout's 'Birdie'
Stamos, Gershon to star in musical
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Stamos, playing a role originated by Dick Van Dyke in the 1960 preem of "Birdie," will portray Albert, the manager of Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-like rock 'n' roll dreamboat who is drafted as the musical begins. Gershon plays Rosie, Albert's secretary and sweetheart, a part created by Chita Rivera.
Irwin will co-star as the father of the teen girl who is selected to receive a farewell kiss from Birdie before he goes off to war, while Houdyshell ("Well," "Wicked") plays Albert's meddling mother.
Stamos, Gershon and Irwin all have track records with the Roundabout. Stamos has appeared as a replacement star in Roundabout revivals of "Cabaret" and "Nine," while Gershon, seen on Broadway last season in "Boeing-Boeing," also had a stint in "Cabaret." (Albert will be the first role Stamos, who recently wrapped his run on longrunning NBC skein "ER," has originated in a new Rialto production.)
Irwin currently stars in the Roundabout staging of "Waiting for Godot," beginning previews April 3.
Robert Longbottom, the helmer of the upcoming tour of "Dreamgirls," directs and choreographs "Birdie," which has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams and book by Michael Stewart.
Further casting, including the thesps who will play Birdie and lucky fan Kim, remains to be announced.
Roundabout also has not yet confirmed on which of its Broadway stages "Birdie" will be seen. With a revival of "After Miss Julie" set for the American Airlines Theater in the fall, "Birdie" looks to be headed either to Studio 54 or to the Henry Miller's, where the show would re-open the Roundabout's latest addition to its roster of venues.
