TYLER — This weekend, audiences can go back to the days of poodle skirts and rock ‘n’ roll with the Tyler Area Arts Council’s summer musical. Performances of “Bye Bye Birdie” start Thursday night at the RTR Performing Arts Center in Tyler.

The show should be lots of fun, said director/producer Mark Wilmes.

“The music’s really good, and the fun thing is it’s set in the 1950s, so you get to see the 1950s costumes,” Wilmes said.

The musical will feature a talented cast and orchestra from around southwest Minnesota and South Dakota.

“We’ve got a really good group. We’ve got people coming from a 50-mile radius,” he said.

Musical performances will be held Thursday through Sunday. The show is being made possible in part through a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.

“Bye Bye Birdie” is a musical comedy centered around rock ‘n’ roll singer Conrad Birdie, who is about to be drafted into the Army. Birdie’s agent Albert, and Albert’s secretary Rosie, come up with a publicity stunt where Birdie will give a farewell kiss to a fan before going into the military. The show follows the chaos and excitement as Birdie arrives in the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, to kiss lucky fan Kim MacAfee.

Wilmes said it has been fun getting to work with the cast of the show. Some of the performers include Payton Zaske of Lake Benton, who plays Kim, and Logan Boeve of Ruthton, who plays Albert.

“(Payton) is a wonderful singer and actor,” Wilmes said, and Boeve impressed him with his dancing and singing. Wilmes said Crystal Enga of Lake Benton is also sure to steal some scenes as Mrs. Peterson, Albert’s mother.

“She’s a hoot,” Wilmes said.

“Bye Bye Birdie” features some well-known songs, including “Put on a Happy Face” and “Kids.” Wilmes said the number “The Telephone Hour” is also a cast favorite.

Music for the show is being provided by an orchestra of 13 area musicians, led by Angela Fischer-Sussner, Wilmes said.

“It will be a treat for people,” he said.

Performances of “Bye, Bye Birdie” will be at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. In addition to the show, there will be some special surprises and activities for the audience, the Tyler Arts Council said. The first 40 people to attend each performance will get a surprise from the Arts Council, and there will be a “Dress Your Best” 1950s costume contest before the matinee show on July 20. Audience members can dress up for a chance to win one year of free Tyler Arts Council performances.

Wilmes said tickets are available at the door before performances, or online at the Tyler Arts Council’s Facebook page.