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You are here: Home / Multimedia / Photo Galleries / Gallery: 24-hour musical returns with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
Members of the ensemble prepare for Conrad Birdie’s arrival. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

Gallery: 24-hour musical returns with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

January 20, 2026 by Daniel Curd Leave a Comment

ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter returned to the stage with another 24-hour musical challenge, this time presenting Bye Bye Birdie. The classic production follows rock-and-roll heartthrob Conrad Birdie as he prepares to leave for the Army, prompting a media frenzy and chaos in the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. This year’s performance supported Heroes for Children, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families of children battling cancer.

Rose Alvarez, played by Maya Padilla, makes a call while Albert Peterson, played by Mason Cox, drafts a speech. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Members of the ensemble prepare for Conrad Birdie’s arrival. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Kim MacAfee, played by Aida Wilkes, sings to her teddy bear while dreaming about her future kiss with Conrad Birdie. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

Mrs. Doris MacAfee, played by Christy McBride, hugs her daughter Kim, played by Aida Wilkes. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Albert Peterson, played by Mason Cox, comforts teens in the Conrad Birdie Fan Club. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Alice, played by Kaitlyn Olson, makes a heart sign as Conrad Birdie arrives in Sweet Apple, Ohio. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

Conrad Birdie, played by Kale Thompson, holds an American flag during his big entrance to Sweet Apple, Ohio. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Kim MacAfee, played by Aida Wilkes, is singled out by her fellow members of the Conrad Fan Club. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
The mayor of Sweet Apple, played by DJ Hurley, gives a golden key to the city to Conrad Birdie, played by Kale Thompson. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

The MacAfee family gathers before Conrad is set to arrive at their house. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Rose Alvarez, played by Maya Padilla, comforts Hugo Peabody, played by James Bradshaw, after he is overlooked by Kim MacAfee. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
Members of the ensemble give a heartfelt message before Conrad’s final goodbye. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

Filed Under: Multimedia, Photo Galleries, Showcase Tagged With: 24 Hour Musical, ACU Alpha Psi Omega, ACU APO, ACU Theatre, Alpha Psi Omega Alpha Psi Omega, APO

Other Multimedia:

  • Gallery: Baseball opens season at home against St. Thomas

  • Gallery: Men’s basketball rallies past Tarleton State 73-59

  • Gallery: Softball drops home opener to South Dakota State

About Daniel Curd

Daniel is a photographer from Denver, Colorado. He is an Advertising/Public Relations major hoping to go into media creation. When not taking photos, he can be found in the library studying with friends, listening to music, or watching one of his favorite movies. For any additional photos captured by him, visit: DanielCurd.com

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You are here: Home / Multimedia / Photo Galleries / Gallery: 24-hour musical returns with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

Other Multimedia:

  • Gallery: Baseball opens season at home against St. Thomas

  • Gallery: Men’s basketball rallies past Tarleton State 73-59

  • Gallery: Softball drops home opener to South Dakota State

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
30 Jan

REMINDER: The Texas voter registration deadline is on Monday for primary elections. Students can register in Abilene or at home.

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28 Jan

BREAKING NEWS: Classes and offices will return to normal operations on Thursday.

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2 weeks ago

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Sororities and fraternities began New Member Orientation with Bid Day, officially starting the pledging process this weekend.Originally scheduled for last week, the start was delayed due to winter weather that brought snow and ice to campus. Clubs and their sponsors gathered at designated locations on and off campus to complete tasks assigned by their officers.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #greeklife 📸: Daniel Curdacuoptimist.com/2026/02/gallery-clubs-begin-new-member-orientation-after-weather-delay/?fbclid=PA... ... See MoreSee Less

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The Optimist

3 weeks ago

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Check out this wider view of the snow on campus from our drone shots over the weekend!Wednesday classes will move to remote instruction, and offices will remain closed.🎥: Daniel Curd #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #winterstorm ... See MoreSee Less

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