CHRIS KELLY staff Before they performed in front of sold-out crowds on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, the Marlboro Middle School cast members of “Grease,” including Sarah Bentivenga and John Yazzo (above), rehearsed all of the songs and dance steps from the popular musical. For more, see page 61. MARLBORO- The stage at theMarlboro Middle School was alive with Pink Ladies and 1950s-era greasers as students from the drama club performed the hit musical “Grease” for family members and friends last week.
“I love ‘Grease.’ I did it 10 years ago and we decided to do it again. It’s a great play,” said Barbara Pollack, the drama club adviser who directed the play.
Helping Pollack with the direction of the show was assistant adviser Harlene Ross.
“You can see it 20 times and still love it,” Ross said, describing her excitement for the show that was a smash hit on Broadway decades ago and is back on Broadway now.
“Grease” was performed at the middle school on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.
The show, with book, lyrics and music by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, is set in 1959 at Rydell High School in Chicago, and focuses on the romance between Danny Zuko, a greaser, and Sandy Dumbrowski, the ultimate prim and proper girl. The two teenagers meet over the summer and have an innocent romance and they meet up again when Sandy moves into town and becomes friends with the Pink Ladies.
Chandler Nichols performs as Danny Zuko in the Marlboro Middle School production of “Grease.” The show follows the trials and tribulations of teenage life, including flunking out of school, a high school hop, possible pregnancy and a gang rumble.
To rock the middle school auditorium with the memorable soundtrack from “Grease,” four local high school students came to help out. Christopher Sabol, Christopher Fiandra, Matthew Kornreich and John Eggolt showed their talent playing songs including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning” and “We Go Together.”
“I was lucky to get the band – they’re wonderful,” Pollack said when interviewed at a dress rehearsal.
Playing the lead roles of Sandy and Danny were eighth-graders Caitlin Mac- Donald and Chandler Nichols. The part of Danny was Chandler’s first role in a school play, after having participated in the school’s jazz band.
“It’s one of the best experiences of my life,” Chandler said of playing Danny, adding, “he’s a leader, cool and confident.”
Chandler said he is not certain if he will continue to act in the future.
Playing the roles of the Burger Palace Boys were Frankie DiGangi as Kenickie, Evan Fox as Doody and Jacob Persily as Sonny LaTierri.
Sarah Patterson as Betty Rizzo, Shayna Jast as Frenchy,MelissaAlbert as Marty and Taylor Feldman as Jan played the Pink Ladies.
Other roles in “Grease” were played by Sarah Bentivenga (Miss Lynch), Esther Kang (Patty Simcox), Aaron Rothman (Eugene Florczyk), Stephen Lieboff (Roger), John Yazzo (Vince Fontaine) Danny Kracke (Johnny Casino) Ariel Kaufman (Cha Cha DiGregorio) and Billy Kluge (Teen Angel).
“It feels really good” being a part of the show, said Siera Rosen, 13.
Siera, who was a part of the “Grease” ensemble, said this was her third and final play at the middle school, as she will be going to high school next year. She spoke about the great times and fun she had while being in a school production. She said pupils who participate in the drama club make a lot of friends.
Siera said she wants to continue to act in school plays.
“I know it’s hard and that a lot of times freshmen are not picked, but I’ll work hard to persevere,” she said.
– Rebecca Morton