It’s that time of year again when the students involved in Freedom’s drama club production are busy with auditions, fundraisers and rehearsals. In previous years, Freedom has put on a variety of entertaining musicals for the community ranging from “Beauty and the Beast” to “Fiddler on the Roof” to last year’s rendition of “The King and I.” The selection for the 2016-2017 school year is the 1971 classic, “Grease.”
This selection was chosen by lead director, Debra Williamson. She has directed Freedom’s past two musicals, “West Side Story” and “The King and I.”
“I try to fit the show to the kids. I also knew I wanted a fun show, one that is well recognized and that ends on a happy note. ‘West Side Story’ and ‘The King and I’ both had very heavy endings. Both were good shows but it was time to lighten it up! Hence… Grease,” Williamson described.
The musical, co-written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, takes place in 1959 at the fictional school, Rydell High School. Its popular rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack has kept the musical alive in fans worldwide through the popular hits such as, “Summer Nights,” “Grease” and “Beauty School Dropout.”
The story follows a group of teenagers through their last year of high school as they learn about work, politics, social issues and love. The two main characters, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, play love interests who meet the summer before their senior year of high school. When Danny doesn’t want to ruin his “cool” reputation with the T-Birds, Sandy finds a way to meet his expectations in a significant other with the help of the Pink Ladies.
A difference for this year’s musical is the lack of a full orchestra, which has been present and active for the previous Freedom musicals, providing live music.
The conductor for the show, Mr. Rob James, explained that, “This show doesn’t have a full pit orchestra. There will be a few wind players, guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums.”
Since six students participated in last year’s orchestra, multiple students have had to find other roles in this production.
Another new position that had to be filled this year were the leadership jobs. This year’s club president, senior Josh Cushing, explained his new part in this production.
“Being president of drama club makes it easier for me to give my opinions and see what others think of them. In previous years I usually would stay quiet and just sit there and help the dad’s build the sets for each musical year after year,” Cushing described.
Despite the various new roles for members, Williamson ensures that, “The biggest difference will be the fun factor. The story, the music, the costumes. Fun with a capital F U N” Williamson said.
The Drama Club has been busy fundraising for the costly production since October when they had a series of events set up for the cause including the Haunted High School, a Thanksgiving pie sale and tag days at the Cranberry Walmart.
Auditions for the musical were held at the end of October and callbacks were reported on Nov. 1. The casting call was posted in early November. Leading roles will be played by seniors Maddie Edder and Kameron Mayhue as Sandy and Danny, respectively, juniors Michaela Hedge, Jon Kaercher and Dante Colorito as Rizzo, Kenickie and Roger, respectively, sophomores Robin Kaufman and Claudia Huggins, as Frenchy and Marty, respectively, and freshman Mason Hedge as Doody.
Performances will take place on three separate dates this spring on April 7, 8 and 9; times are to be determined.
“I hope all who come to see this show will enjoy it as much as the directors, the cast and crew and all who are involved will. I’d like to see a line down the sidewalk to purchase tickets,” Williamson noted.