The theater department prepares to put on “Grease” the musical. Showtimes are Nov 9 and 11 at 7 p.m., with an additional performance at 2 p.m. Nov 11.
“Grease” is a high school love story between greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Olsson set in the 1950s. The two had a summer fling and must decide if they want to rekindle their romance when they meet at school.
“Grease has been one that I’ve always wanted to do because of how fun and well known it is,” director Brett Young said. “I think it was time for an audience pleaser that parents and grandparents and everyone will love.”
Students in the musical practice everyday after school. They held auditions back in August, and have continued to work until the debut.
“I’m coaching a team of people for every movement, every line, every lyric of the song and notes that they have to hit properly, and the dance moves they have to memorize,” Young said.
Junior Taylor Davidson has been involved in the productions at the school since freshman year. Now she will play the lead, Sandy, in “Grease.”
“I try to work on it as much as I can outside of school,” Davidson said. “I think that’s definitely something that’s helped me a lot; taking time out of my day to work on the songs or work on the dances or the lines.”
“Grease” is a big undertaking with many challenges, from learning the dances to putting together 50s costumes. However one of the most difficult parts is the set design.
“It’s always a challenge when there’s different locations,” Young said. “The sets are always fun and impressive but it’s difficult going from one place to the next: lighting wise, step wise. I like a smooth show, so it’s a challenge to piece it all together.”
Stagecraft teacher Matt Avra and his class design and build the set for the musical. The set starts with a concept, which then goes through the design process. After some revisions, they make finalized drawings, then working drawings. The working drawings show how the set is laid out and built. The class builds the set in layers using the assembly method: specific scenic pieces are built, then trim and paint are added.
“We tried to do what’s called a unit set where small things roll out or pop out of walls or things reveal from other things,” Avra said. “Our shows keep getting bigger and bigger, and we keep incorporating more and more people which is great, but we are very limited on space. It gets hard with scenery, bodies, and all of that.”
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make the musical run smoothly. Which is why Young thinks that everyone should come out to support and celebrate the skills that the school has in the fine arts department.
“It takes so many people, so I’m most excited about the final product because then you feel the pride and see the students having so much fun on stage and just giving it their all,” Young said. “If they’re getting into it then I know they’re having fun despite the nerves. They’re doing it. It takes a lot of guts to do all that stuff.”
