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Photo by Daniel Lai
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Sandy (Siobhan Bamford) listens as Frenchy (Morgan Johnson) tells about the pitfalls of falling for Danny Zuko.
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Grease is still the word at Manchester High School. The MHS Drama Club will present the classic teen musical in three performances open to the public this weekend.
After the success of the club's fall 2007 production "Up the Down Staircase," MHS Drama instructor Emily Prosser will again take the helm directing the production -- her first musical at the high school -- assisted by student directors and an all-star cast.
"'Grease' is not an easy musical to do, but the kids were really pushing for it," she said. "At first I thought 'no way,' but then I decided it would be a great way to spark interest in the club."
Since February, the cast and crew have been working tirelessly five days a week and on weekends learning dances, songs, technical training and stage blocking.
"We're in the final stretch of putting it all together," Prosser said.
Based on the play by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, "Grease" takes a satirical look at the dress, manners, morals and music of teenagers at the beginning of the 1950s rock and roll era. The plot revolves primarily around the attraction between greaser Danny Zuko and the virtuous Sandy Dumbrowski. The show spawned such musical hits as "Summer Nights," "Grease Lightning," and "Beauty School Dropout."
Prosser said one of the biggest challenges has been casting the lead roles.
"We had 50 students tryout which is pretty significant for the size of our school," she said. "We had a lot of interest and it was hard to decide who would get the leads."
In the end, Prosser said the decision came down to who could sing.
"We needed good strong vocalists who could hit the notes in some of the songs," she said.
MHS varsity football player Jesse Vonbroda will make his acting debut on the MHS stage as tough guy Danny Zuko.
"This is the first time I've ever done theater," he said. "I thought 'Grease' would be something new to try; so far it has been a lot of fun."
Though he has quickly warmed up to the prospect of performing live on stage in front of a 600-member audience, Vonbroda said memorizing songs and dance steps has been difficult.
"I'm not worried about the actual performance as long as I can remember all my lines," he said.
Fellow sophomore and veteran actress Siobhan Bamford plays Danny's love interest, Sandy Dumbrowski.
"I've been performing in theater since I was 6 years old, so this is nothing new for me," she said.
Bamford has performed in the productions "Up the Down Staircase," "Guys and Dolls," "The Music Man" and "Annie."
"I like being with my friends on stage and just having a good time," she said.
Manchester senior Ally Way, who plays Betty Rizzo, the leader of The Pink Ladies, said performing in "Grease" has always been a dream.
"I love the movie and I thought this would be a fun thing to do before I graduate," she said. "I have never been much of a singer, so I was surprised to find out I was cast in my role."
Way said over the past months, she has spent most of her time trying to separate her interpretation of the character from that of Hollywood actress Stockard Channing, who played the role in the movie.
"I have taken advice from Ms. Prosser and I am trying to make the character my own," she said.
In contrast, junior Zach Osborne said the film has been his best tactic in developing his character.
"I'm not a bad guy in real life, so this role has been challenging for me to get a handle on it," he said. "I am trying to perfect the role as much as possible."
Osborne plays fellow greaser Kenickie.
In addition to the cast, Prosser said several key production members have been influential in the musical's development including MHS Band Director Jared Throneberry and several student musicians who will perform the entire musical score on stage.
"We're very fortunate to have such talented musicians who are willing to donate their time to the Drama Club," she said.
Student directors are also involved with the musical this year.
Sophomore Dani Helfrich, who serves as Prosser's directing assistant, said she enjoys working both on and offstage.
"I help make sure everyone is doing what he or she are supposed to do," she said. "I think we have been successful on that aspect."
In addition to "Grease," Helfrich has performed in "Larceny in Old Lace," "Baby Last Spring" and "Up the Down Staircase."
"I like perfoming more than directing," she said. "But it is nice to see a production from a different point of view. It helps with my performances."
Helfrich said she plans on pursuing a career in theater following graduation from high school.
"I like the thrill of performing," she said. "It's a big rush."
The musical is also getting a little help from Manchester residents Ron and Jim Mann who will donate a classic car for the students to use as "Grease Lightning."
"We're going to have a real car on stage; the kids are really excited about that," Prosser said.
"Grease" will take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information contact eprosser@mcs.k12.mi.us.
Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.
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