SHS Drama Society presents “Grease” on March 27th and March 28th!
Grease is a musical set in the late 1950s that follows the high school romance between “greaser” Danny Zuko and transfer student Sandy Dumbrowski. After a summer fling, they unexpectedly reunite for their senior year at Rydell High, where they must navigate clique pressures, personal insecurities, and social dynamics to be together.
This beloved musical runs Friday, March 27 at 7:00 and Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 and 7:00 in the Stratford High School John F. Kennedy Memorial Auditorium. Seats are $15 with a special student matinee price of $10 for the 2:00 performance on Saturday. Tickets can be reserved in advance using the link at the bottom of this article or purchased at the door (cash or check only for walk-in purchases).
The cast includes almost thirty students, with a crew of fifteen to twenty students supporting the backstage and technical aspects of the production. When asked about his experience working on this show, Eddie Greist, who plays Roger, said that “the dancing in Grease is the most fun I’ve ever had dancing, whether in a show or out of one.” Kalea Talton, who plays Patty Simcox and is one of the two Dance Captains/Assistant Choreographers concurs: “My favorite thing about being in Grease is trying new dances and tricks. It’s so rewarding to work so hard and finally nail a dance because all of the songs are so fun to dance to!” Lilah Bausher, who is our other Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer and also our Drama Society Treasurer, plays Cha-Cha DeGregorio. She “loves being able to collaborate on choreography in the big dance numbers. The music is all really familiar and the dancing is spectacular!
Maggie LaReau, Drama Society Secretary who is handling Lighting Design and Execution as one of our Technical Stage Managers, thinks “the audience will most enjoy knowing the iconic music from Grease and many likely already know some dances like the Hand Jive!” Orchid Tejada, who plays Sonny, is the costume designer for the production and our Drama Society Vice President. He believes that the audience will see some of ”the best dancing ever done in a Stratford High production.” Noah Mastro suggests that you should “come see the show for the nostalgia. You don’t have to have been alive in the 50’s to remember Grease as a special part of your childhood and the musical really brings it to life in a whole new and fun way.”
Brennan Kelly, who plays Doody and is our Drama Society President, referred to Grease “as a fun-filled showcase of talent, with each character getting their own on-stage moment, with the dancing and singing ensemble never far behind! It is a story about finding yourself and trusting in the people around you, an important lesson no matter your age or background. The musical goes beyond the Danny/Sandy focus to show how teens can become leaders and go beyond the assumptions people carry about us. Our director Mitch is really passionate about carrying a theme of empowerment and personal growth through the story that will make audiences think deeply about the production, while still having an entertaining night of singing and dancing!”
The Cast includes: Myra Adu, Braylon Alvarado, Nayeli Arias, Belen Alvarez, Lilah Bausher, Nevaeh Castro, Rosalie DeMasi, Skyylar Feggins, Eddie Greist, Ollie Greist, Zalena Jaimongal, Nikara Howell, Brennan Kelly, Giyana Lafontant, Aidan Loschiavo, Ellery MacDonald, Kelly Marquez Paz, Noah Mastro, Ayden Perez, Owen Pirozzoli, Natasha Schumann, Emma Swanson, Kalea Talton, Alana Taylor and Orchid Tejada. Student stage managers include Ace Mellen, Shabaz Henry, Isabelle Kruzshak and Maggie LaReau.
The Production Staff is comprised of Mitchell Weinbaum as Stage Director, Megan Bonneau McCool as Choreographer and Associate Director, John Watts as Music Director, Emily Pisara as Vocal Director, Mark Ryan as Orchestra Director, Damien Soler as Technical Director and Kathleen Murphy as Producer.
Please don’t miss our production of Grease. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased through the following link: https://stratfordhigh.seatyourself.biz – or visit https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/shs/page/drama-society for more information.
NOTE: This production is based on the “School Version” so it is fine for children. The majority (90-95%) of the inappropriate language, innuendos and storylines have been excluded.
