"Grease" cruises into Sisters

"Grease" is the word this week, as Sisters High School's vibrant theater arts department will be transporting audiences to the fictional Rydell High, circa 1959, in a four-day run of the popular musical.

Months in the making, "Grease" follows last fall's wildly successful production of "Fiddler on the Roof," and it will give dozens of student performers the chance to shine once again under the direction of Michelle

According to Summers, this cast is deep in talent. Younger actors were cast in most of the speaking parts, allowing for a strong, off-stage chorus anchored by older, seasoned singers.

Brett Pray and Julia Rahm take on the lead roles of the prideful Danny Zuko and the wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski, who confront teenage heartbreak in the wake of a summer romance.

The T-Birds - those too-cool-for-school thugs in leather jackets - will be played by Jared Nelson, Grayson Gould, Wyatt Gladden and Trevor Condel, while Samantha Malone, Ciara Affatati, Felicia Zandanotti and Stephanie Cole take the stage as the sassy Pink Ladies.

Summers promises plenty of "wow factor," including an impressive set design courtesy of Gary Bowne's class along with several dedicated volunteers.

Lonnie Liddell of Sisters Dance Academy voluntarily choreographed complex dance numbers, including the brisk "Hand Jive" which will feature a lindy-hopping pack of performers in prom attire.

Adding to the extravaganza will be a live band: Stephanie King on piano, Austin Erlandson on guitar, Jared Henderson on bass guitar and Karen Cardin on the drums. Proceeds from the show will funnel back into the theater department's budget for future productions with the intent of establishing a self-sustaining drama

program.

"Grease" will show at the SHS auditorium Wednesday, May 19; Friday, May 21; and Monday, May 24, at 7 p.m. A matinee is scheduled for Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m. General ticket prices are $10. Students and seniors are $6.

Summers hopes a high-energy sock hop, planned for intermission, will entice audience members to "grab a cookie and some punch and dance along."