East Valley drama has the word
“Grease” is the word.
Yes, the word.
East Valley High School will stage the rollicking ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll musical “Grease” for three performances next week: Thursday, Friday and next Saturday at 7 p.m. at Trent Elementary Auditorium, 3303 N. Pines Road.
In many ways, “Grease” has always been a high school musical – set at Rydell High in the 1950s.
The original off-Broadway version of the play opened on Valentine’s Day 1972 at the Eden Theater and ran for 3,388 performances, and was nominated for a number of Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Choreography as well as best actor nods for Barry Bostwick, who originated the role of Danny Zuko, and Adrienne Barbeau, the original Rizzo.
Most people remember the 1978 movie starring John Travolta (as Danny), Olivia Newton-John (Sandy) and Stockard Channing (Rizzo) – which featured a special appearance by Frankie Avalon and a title song sung by rock ‘n’ roll legend Frankie Valli and written for the movie by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.
East Valley’s production features John Marlow as Danny, Erika Boles as Sandy and Courtney Van Winkle as Rizzo.
Other cast members include: Danielle Englyng, Hope Francis, Casi Anderson, Jake Woodbrey, Rile Reavis, Aaron Miller, Tim Lines, Nikki Bernard, Austin Way, CJ Lewis, Wayne Yocom, Jared Jolstead, Kellie Brennan and Ryan Stroh. Additionally, the play will highlight vocal talent: Girls Chorus – Evelyn Barbour, Danielle Greenhalgh, Katrin Gwosdz, Pam Eatock, Megan Hudson, CJ Lewis, Elizabeth Rogers, Ashley Saffle and Sara Svenonius. Boys Chorus – Bryce Parker, Rayce Reed, Nicholas Roszina, Jared Jolstead, Ryan Stroh, Austin Taylor and Austin Way.
The play features a long list of memorable songs – from Sandy’s angst-ridden “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” to Rizzo’s lament, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” with stopovers for such classic romps as “You’re The One I Want” to “We Go Together.”
Ticket For students with ASB cards are $4; $6 without. Tickets for adults are $6, seniors $4 and children 6-13, $3.