The cost of producing a musical can reach upwards of twenty thousand dollars. The time that goes into working with cast and crew from auditions up until the final bow, lasts about five months.

So is it really worth it?

Absolutely, positively yes.

Working with the cast of Grease was an amazing experience that I could never replicate. So much hard work went into developing characters, constructing and painting sets, and learning the music. Everyone from the leads, to the instrumentalists in the pit, to Mr. Feather’s art classes, had a key role in making Grease a success.

One of the more interesting things that took place behind the scenes was the creation of Greased Lightning. It surprised many people to find out that the tricked out Chevy was actually a golf cart that we were able to drive around the stage. The Eaken family put a lot of hard work into creating the shell that went over the cart.

I can’t say how amazing the show was without giving credit to our director Mrs. Volpe, conductor Mrs. Hipp, and stage manager Rolaine. They guided the cast and helped create the magic that took place on stage and the pure electricity and excitement that you could feel backstage.

Each year, there is a competition called The Isaacs, which is the high school equivalent of the Tony Awards. Three years ago, for Cinderella, Tyrone was nominated for such honors as Emily Jamison for Best Actress, Kelly Bushe for her role as Stepmother, Best Production, and “The Mice” for Best Ensemble! The designated panels of five judges, who all have significant experience in the musical theater field, attend the productions and after all competing schools have performed, they sit and discuss the nominations for the awards. The cast of Grease is set to perform the song “Those Magic Changes” this year at the Isaacs this year on May 26^th.

Overall, the process of preparing and performing Grease was a magical experience and it will be something the cast and hopefully the audience that witnessed it will remember for a very long time.

Hopefully the school district will continue to assist in providing funds for musical theater projects.  We must continue to allow students to express themselves through song and dance while providing entertainment to the community.