Welcome to the late 1950s n the America of bobby sox, pony tails and Elvis-hysteria.

When "Bye Bye Birdie" opened on Broadway to rave reviews in 1960, it was the same year that Elvis Presley was discharged from the U.S. Army.

In this musical, America's teenagers are enamored with a swivel-hipped heart throb, Conrad Birdie, who, coincidentally, is being drafted into the Army.

It comes to the Helena Civic Center stage Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

The story centers on a last-ditch publicity stunt, cooked up by Birdie's songwriter and manager, Albert Peterson, and Peterson's sweetheart, Rose Alvarez. They set up a nationwide contest so that some lucky girl wins a farewell kiss from Birdie on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

The winner is 15-year old Kim McAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio.

Ridiculous complications arise, of course -- McAfee's jealous boyfriend, Hugo Peabody; her overwrought and irritable father; and Peterson's interfering mother, who is hellbent on breaking up Peterson and Alvarez's romance.

What ensues is a hilarious televised disaster.

Peabody punches Birdie, Birdie collapses and Alvarez breaks up with Peterson.

A few of the show's memorable hit tunes are "Put on a Happy Face, "One Last Kiss," "What's The Matter With Kids Today?" and "Hymn for a Sunday Evening" -- a humorous tribute to what was a Sunday night American ritual, watching "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Critics found the play delightful.

"A happy, buoyant and hilariously funny musical comedy," wrote the New York Daily News.

"This is a howling hit," wrote the New York Mirror.

Audiences also loved it -- shattering theater box office records at Radio City Music Hall.

It captured eight Tony awards that year, including Best Musical.

The play boosted a number of careers, including choreographer Gower Champion and actors Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, and Paul Lynde. The film adaptation launched Ann-Margret as a superstar.

And the current cast on this tour with Windwood Theatricals thinks you'll love it, too.

"It's pretty much the original," according to actor Jonathan Van Dyke (no relationship to Dick), who like Dick, plays the role of Peterson.

"It's not a show you want to take a lot of liberties with," Van Dyke said in a recent phone interview from Spokane, where the show was playing. "It's very sweet."

There's something for everyone, he promised. And so far, it's been attracting crowds of all ages.

"There's so many musical styles n pop songs, ballads and high energy dance," Van Dyke said. "We have a wonderful traveling orchestra. It's a sweet, charming, fun show. It's a valentine to the '50s."

IF YOU GO

Live! at the Civic presents 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Monday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.

Helena Civic Center

Tickets: $35 adults, $19 students

Tickets available at Leslie's Hallmark in the Capital Hill Mall

Call 227-6588 or visit liveatthecivic.org