Parkland Secondary School’s Musical Theatre Program is bustling these days. With only a few rehearsals left before the show run of Grease, performers, stagecraft students and musicians in Grades 9-12 are collaborating to present this beloved rock-and-roll musical for the community.
“Our students are learning the value of teamwork, poise, stage presence and commitment to the greater group. We rely on our student leaders to run the technical aspects of the performance, build and execute set designs, and portray the fun flavour of the 1950s by inhabiting flashy characters like the Greasers and The Pink Ladies,” says Christine Irving, producer and director.
“We selected Grease to perform because this year marked the 40th anniversary of the film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. We also chose it for its catchy tunes, big dance numbers and lively personalities as it is a real crowd-pleaser.”
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Irving and her colleagues choreographer Stacey Frith and music director Cristina Sousa joke with their cast members that attitudes were much different in the ’50s and that their students should never change who they are for their love interests, as Sandy Dombrowski does for Danny Zuko in the final scene of the play.
“We are really proud of all of our students. This is a big project with over 80 participants and everyone is very excited to bring all of our hard work to the stage,” says Frith.
Tickets are selling fast through the Parkland box office. Call 250-655-2736 with a credit card to reserve tickets ($15) or visit the school office, 10640 McDonald Park Rd. All evening shows begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15 each. Grease runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. for $12.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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