Grease presented by Shawnigan Lake School

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Friday, March 30th, 2012
7:30 PM

Shawnigan Lake School is proud to present the musical Grease.

The musical theatre production is an adaptation of the enduringly popular film which has been an easy crowd-pleaser since its original screening in 1978. "Every year the students hope that Grease will be the next musical so this year we decided to quench their thirst," states show director and long-time Shawnigan musical theatre teacher Gregg Perry. "It has been interesting to note that while this is a popular musical among teens, our Shawnigan students have found it challenging to emulate the attitudes and actions of the teeny boppers of the 1950s."

Grade 12 student Alex Swainson steps into the male lead as the preening and vulnerable Danny while opposite him fellow grade 12 classmate Julianne Patton portrays the good girl Sandy. Swainson did not originally go out for the lead role but Perry thought he was natural choice for the character based on his dance prowess. Swainson himself has really embraced the musical aspect of the show. "I really enjoy performing and dancing. It's a great release and allows me to express myself. It's also a big change from rugby, which I sometimes appreciate and the singing is also challenging."

As for Patton, this will be her first lead role after delivering a solid performance in Shawnigan's Oliver! last year. "I've been told that I fit my character perfectly, and even before I was cast in this musical I have been called Sandy in jest. I think my role is fun because I get to evolve into a brand new character at the end."

Another selling point for Grease is that it features 10 leads each with their own solos or duets, allowing several supporting cast members to share in the spotlight. Other main roles include Natalia Haberman as the feisty Rizo, Ngabo Bucyana as Danny's right-hand man Kenickie as well as Gracie Miller-Day and Jae Joon Lee paired once again as comics leads Jan and Roger.

Show highlights are sure to be crowd-pleasing numbers Beauty School Dropout, Summer Nights and You�re the One that I want as well as the 21-foot high jukebox set reflecting and the show's compilation of rock and roll 1950-style tunes.

The public is invited to come enjoy the show. There is some saucy banter, but the director has toned down on the edgier lyrics to insure a feel-good treat for any audience, ranging from children to pensioners.