In mid-October, Jackson Prep Performing Arts  will present the high school version of the classic musical Grease, directed by Ms. Emily Waterloo (Jackson Prep Director of Theatrical Productions) with music direction by Mr. Chris Sweatt (Jackson Prep Director of Show Choirs) and choreography by Mr. Christopher Spaulding. 

Grease is a story about ten teenagers in the 50s who navigate the challenges of peer pressure, love, and identity in high school. 

The original production of Grease premiered at the Kingston Mines Theater in Chicago in 1971, and was based on the high school experiences of Jim Jacobs, a Chicago resident.  

Just a year after its first production, Grease went to Broadway, and six years later a film adaptation starring John Trovolta was released. 

Jackson Prep will perform a “G-rated”, family friendly adaptation of the musical that still includes the fun-loving spirit and immortal songs which makes Grease a favorite.

Prep’s production of Grease is a schoolwide production that consists of a chorus and a lead cast totalling 66 students.

Over the summer via video and in-person auditions, the lead roles for the musical were cast. 

The lead cast of Grease is made up of 28 students in 8-12th grade, with senior Foster O’Quinn playing the male lead, Danny, and senior Anna Voynik playing the female lead, Sandy. 

The cast has been rehearsing since August, primarily focusing on learning the music and choreography.  In mid-September, they started blocking the scenes. 

Ms. Emily Waterloo compared this process to “baking a cake”. Ingredients such as music, choreography, blocking, costumes, and props are slowly being added in order to create a masterpiece.

The cast did a promotion shoot at Brent’s Drugs, which consisted of making TikToks and the Northside Sun taking pictures.

Senior Ellyn Waits, who plays Rizzo, said, “It’s been really great. We had a wonderful choreographer that’s come to help us and we’re really excited about putting together blocking, choreography, and vocals. My favorite part has been the costumes.”

Grease will be performed on October 16-19 with three seven o’clock performances and one Sunday matinee at two o’clock. 

Tickets can be purchased at boxoffice.jacksonprep.net.