Curtain Goes Up Next Week On Boyertown High's Production of "Grease"

Keep your eyes peeled to spot hot rods, Pink Ladies, and T-birds in town. The class of 1959 at Rydell High School is holding its class reunion on the stage of Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH) and it’s certain to be a blast.

Performances of the hit musical Grease are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 PM; Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2:00 PM. A few tickets remain for each performance and may be purchased online.

The cast is also performing a free preview Thursday, Feb. 16, for family and other invited guests from the community.

“The show has been a huge success for 50 years because it’s still relevant today,” remarks Mr. Jeffrey K. Brunner, Director of BASH Choirs and music director for the show. “Teenagers have struggles and they have to overcome their problems and need their friendships to help them get through things,” he continues.

As Sandy, played by Grace Major,  begins her senior year at a new school, Rydell High, she shares the story of her romantic summer. Photo from Facebook.

Grease offers many laughs as it follows the exploits of high school kids. Amid all of the singing, dancing, and hand-jiving, the show also touches on more serious social issues like teenage rebellion, peer pressure, and class consciousness.

Brunner believes the show captures many teens’ feelings about their high school experience. “It’s a love-hate relationship,” he says. “We can all remember our struggles to fit in while trying to figure out who we were as individuals.” Reflecting on his current crew of students, Brunner observes that “kids always say they can’t wait to graduate, but then they end up missing their friends and the good times. Many people cherish their high school years.”

The story, set around 1959, is propelled by an energetic musical score pulsating with the sounds of early rock and roll.

Well-known tunes include “Greased Lightnin’,” a tribute to fast, souped-up cars, and “Summer Nights,” in which the audience is introduced to on-off-and eventually on-again boyfriend and girlfriend, Danny Zucko and Sandra “Sandy” Dombrowksi. These and other catchy songs popularized by stars John Travolta and singer Olivia Newton-John in the movie version of the show that debuted 45 years ago, are instantly recognizable by today’s audiences.

“At rehearsals, the kids are having fun singing the songs and the audience will want to sing along,” Brunner predicts.

Frenchie, one of the Pink Ladies, gets closer to Doody, one of the T-birds. Photo from Facebook.

The cast features: Anna Hartman as Miss Lynch; Kailey Reinboth as Patty; Dan Freed as Eugene; Ava Puleo as Jan; Abby Breidenbach as Marty; Olivia Helmer as Rizzo; Harrison Maxymillian as Doody; Anthony Moser as Roger; Nolan Hetrick as Kenickie; Joey Casey as Sonny; Emily Gates as Frenchy; Grace Major as Sandy and Jack Burrell as her boyfriend, Danny; Matt Rajendrackumaar as D.J. Vince Fontaine; Austin Parker as Johnny Casino; Kamiliah Jenkins as Cha Cha; and Nick Myers as Teen Angel.

Also, Kolby Grim and Anthony Sheponick as the Burger Palace Boys; Cassidy Nuss, Arlene Fourrien, and Lynsday Camp as the Pink Ladies. And Autumn Nuss, Caroline Mraz, Jamie Kelly, and Ella Albright in the Ensemble.

Two of Brunner’s favorite tunes are “Beauty School Dropout” and “Rock and Roll Party Queen.” The former is sung by a self-styled Teen Idol to one of the Pink Ladies, Frenchy, who is in search of her own guardian angel after flunking out of beauty school. Brunner remarks that it’s funny but makes a serious point.

In “Party Queen,” says Brunner, “the kids are taking it easy and enjoying life. It’s a moment when they are fun-loving kids without a care in the world, all their problems and insecurities are forgotten.”

The BASH production is co-directed by Boyertown teacher, John Hazel, who is assisted by student directors Madelyn Olejniczak, Aleeya Anousaya, and Liliana Myers.

Grab your black leather jacket or your pink scarf and be there ... or be square!   

The set takes shape as cast practices. Photo from Facebook.

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