Rehearsals of 'Birdie' under way in N.Y.

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Rehearsals for the Broadway revival of the Tony-winning musical "Bye Bye Birdie" have begun in New York with an opening date of Oct. 15 in mind.

Playbill reported Friday that "Birdie" cast members, including John Stamos and Gina Gershon, began rehearsals of the Roundabout Theatre Company production Tuesday.

The production, intended to help inaugurate Henry Miller's Theatre on Broadway, follows the life of a singer about to become a soldier in the U.S. Army. Originally staged in 1960 and made into a movie in 1963, the show was inspired by the military service of the late rock 'n' roll singer Elvis Presley.

The musical, which will begin previews Sept. 10, features music from Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams.

Other cast members include Bill Irwin, Matt Doyle, Jake Evan Schwencke, Jayne Houdyshell, Dee Hoty and Allie Trimm.