“Grease” is the word at Benjamin Logan High School (BLHS) this weekend as the music department presents a youth version of the Broadway musical. It’s a blast from the past, bringing back memories for the older generations while introducing younger people to the music and moves of the 1950s.
You have three opportunities to see the show — Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. or Saturday, March 15, at 2 or 7 p.m.
According to director Maggie Bowlby, who teaches middle school band, the show was chosen a year ago because they felt it was the best option to fit their students, musically and personality-wise.
“They love every minute; they’re enjoying every dance,” Bowlby said about her cast. “They keep asking what they can do to make it better.”
Co-director Charity Zimmerman agreed, adding, “They all get along well and help each other out.”
Named after a working-class subculture that referred to its members as “greasers,” Grease is set at the fictional Rydell High School in Chicago. It follows the lives of the students, focusing specifically on a romance between hot-rod tough guy Danny Zuko, played by freshman Aaron Gonzales, and the sweet-natured new girl, Sandy Dumbrowski, a role taken on by junior Greyson Wagoner.
Facing peer pressure and the struggles of class cliques, the two hide their relationship, which started while on summer break, as told in the song “Summer Lovin’.” Besides the title song, you’ll hear “Beauty School Dropout,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” and “Greased Lightnin’.”
The cast also includes Rylie Thomas as Rizzo, Paxton Henry as Kenickie, Kate Hahn as Frenchy, Sadie Staats as Marty, Audrey Warren as Jan, Ethan Van Winkle as Doody, Keegan Lacher as Sonny, Brycen Chrencik as Roger, Kaeleb Ostrander as Vince, Madison Watkins as Cha Cha DiGregorio, Blake Frazier as Eugene, Tyler Barnes as Johnny Casino, Klopfenstein as Ms. Lynch and Natalie Chapman as Patty.
Students also head up the crew, handling lighting, sound, props and the set, with senior Grace Frangis serving as stage manager.
Though based on the Broadway show and closely connected to the 1978 blockbuster film, BLHS is presenting the school version of Grease. While keeping the spirit of the show, this production removes the profanity and lewd behavior of the original. It also cuts out Rizzo’s pregnancy scare and the musical number connected to that.
“The songs are in different places and there are different songs,” Bowlby said. “And there’s no kiss, plus some of the lyrics have been changed.”
“But the whole vibe is still there,” Zimmerman promised.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased on the school website under the tickets tab—benjaminlogan.org—or at the door.