Tom's all shook up over musical

Tom Brady strikes the Rock’n’roll look as he prepares for a production of Bye Bye Birdie.

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YOU wouldn't think a youngster like Tom Brady would be a big fan of Elvis's music.

But that's pretty much his artist of choice at the moment.

While Tom didn't mind listening to The King before he went to the February auditions for The Rockhampton Grammar School's production of Bye Bye Birdie, since he landed the main role of Conrad Birdie he's taken a closer interest.

“I have been studying a lot of Elvis to get into character,” Tom said during rehearsal on the weekend.

“It's taking a fair bit.”

This is the 16-year-old's first lead acting role, though he did take part in the school's production of Pyjama Game last year.

“I'm pretty nervous about the experience and getting in front of all those people,” Tom said.

Bye Bye Birdie is a stage musical that tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army.

The story was inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the army in 1958.

The show's director, choreographer and producer, Jan Kennedy, says Tom has done well to take on the lead.

“For someone in year 10 to take out the lead role is pretty unusual,” said Ms Kennedy, who is producing her 15th annual musical for the school.

“Usually that goes to a year 12 student.”

She wasn't keen to single out any cast member in particular, saying everyone had an important job to do.

“We have 45 children on stage, about 15 in the orchestra and half a dozen working back stage,” Ms Kennedy said.

The school's production will show at the Pilbeam Theatre on Friday, August 6, Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8.

Talent time

Other big productions this year include:

North Rockhampton High School's Footloose at the Pilbeam Theatre tomorrow and Saturday;

High School Musical Junior by the Rockhampton Grammar Primary School on September 10 and 11.

Suessical The Musical by Emmaus College (last weekend).