For four shows October 16-19, the Jackson Prep Performing Arts Department staged their annual fall musical. This year under the direction of Ms. Emily Waterloo and music directed by Mr. Chris Sweatt, students put on the production of Grease. Grease, which was originally released July 19, 1977, has been performed twice throughout our school’s history. 

Grease serves as a love letter to the 1950s, friendship, and high school. The leads, Sandy and Danny, share a summer romance, but when their school lives clash, they must figure out if their romance is worth crossing their cliques.  The principal cast consists of Sandy and Danny’s peers, the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, who stir up trouble for their relationship. 

For four shows October 16-19, the Jackson Prep Performing Arts Department staged their annual fall musical. This year under the direction of Ms. Emily Waterloo and music directed by Mr. Chris Sweatt, students put on the production of Grease. Grease, which was originally released July 19, 1977, has been performed twice throughout our school’s history. 

Grease serves as a love letter to the 1950s, friendship, and high school. The leads, Sandy and Danny, share a summer romance, but when their school lives clash, they must figure out if their romance is worth crossing their cliques.  The principal cast consists of Sandy and Danny’s peers, the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, who stir up trouble for their relationship. 

Students first auditioned for numerous parts and performance numbers to really make this show come alive on stage. After the cast was set, all members put in countless and long hours of hard work. Practices for the school musical lasted from after school until night and also took place on school holidays and weekends. The cast’s dedication to the show really shone in their devotion and hard work.

The cast of this year’s show was composed of all ages of Prep students, contributing to the show in more ways than one. Cast members sang, danced, performed, and recited, and all in all really embodied the expectations of the show. Students also served on set crew moving sets, working the lighting, and making sure the show ran as smoothly as possible. Some notable performances from the main cast include Foster O’Quinn as Danny Zuko, Anna Voynik as Sandy Dumbrowski, Will Meck as Kenickie Murdoch, Ellyn Waits as Rizzo, Paul Greg as Teen Angel in Beauty School Dropout, Rachel Rutledge as Patty Simcox, Macy Polk as Jan, and many, many others. 

The 50s production, Grease, is a classic and furthermore a household name to many families. The excitement that was drawn from the art department announcing their musical was no surprise considering Fortenberry Theatre drew a great crowd each night. The students’ performances caused standing ovations—their dedication and passion is something we all can admire. That passion certainly showed up on stage each night showing that Grease, once again, did not disappoint. 

Students first auditioned for numerous parts and performance numbers to really make this show come alive on stage. After the cast was set, all members put in countless and long hours of hard work. Practices for the school musical lasted from after school until night and also took place on school holidays and weekends. The cast’s dedication to the show really shone in their devotion and hard work.

The cast of this year’s show was composed of all ages of Prep students, contributing to the show in more ways than one. Cast members sang, danced, performed, and recited, and all in all really embodied the expectations of the show. Students also served on set crew moving sets, working the lighting, and making sure the show ran as smoothly as possible. Some notable performances from the main cast include Foster O’Quinn as Danny Zuko, Anna Voynik as Sandy Dumbrowski, Will Meck as Kenickie Murdoch, Ellyn Waits as Rizzo, Paul Greg as Teen Angel in Beauty School Dropout, Rachel Rutledge as Patty Simcox, Macy Polk as Jan, and many, many others. 

The 50s production, Grease, is a classic and furthermore a household name to many families. The excitement that was drawn from the art department announcing their musical was no surprise considering Fortenberry Theatre drew a great crowd each night. The students’ performances caused standing ovations—their dedication and passion is something we all can admire. That passion certainly showed up on stage each night showing that Grease, once again, did not disappoint.