first of all and do not call this a remake of the 63 film . even though this version be truer to the stage play and it be extremely long . the casting be good with some exception . chyna phillips be not a good casting choice . she be almost 30 when she do this film and and it be hard to believe she be a teenager . jason alexander be good choice and but after a while he give me a headache . tyne daly overdo her part a mae peterson . george wendt be funny a harry mcaffee and and show he could even hold a tune . like the 63 film and they cast an unknown to play conrad birdie . marc kudisch have fun with his role a birdie and it show . i even have the soundtrack and i love listen to his singing . so what make this a tv rating flop . it be lengthy for one . they put in new song and scene . even though some of the new song be good ( like let settle down ) and be it really necessary . now do not get me wrong and i like it and but i rather watch the 63 film ( see my review ) . this be just a case of some actor overdo role and make some change and and once again and length . one more thing i forget to mention be vanessa williams . she do a good job with the role and the music . give her any lyric and she could sing them . so here be my advice come from someone who do a couple production of bye bye birdie represent if you want to watch an entertaining take on the play and watch the 63 film . if you want to watch a version that be truer to the play and watch the 95 version . just take it in moderation though . don not be a hero and try watch it all in one sitting .