W.K. gets set for ‘Grease’

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

It's been a while since students at West Kings have had the chance to rock 'n' roll on stage.

That all changes next week, when student actors take over the AV room for the musical ''Grease,'' the story of greaser Danny Zuko who falls in love with good girl Sandy Dumbrowski.

West King’s family-friendly version of the hit musical comes straight from the Broadway play. It is more innocent than the movie, the sequence of scenes is a bit different and there will no drag race, says director Mary Walker-Hope. “But we will have a great car, thanks to a co-operative effort with Horton High School, which staged the play in late March.”

Also a bit different is the fact the presentation is not being produced and directed by school staff. Walker-Hope, who teaches at Dwight Ross Elementary School in Greenwood, decided to take the reigns of the production when it appeared no musical was being planned for West Kings this year. “It’s been three years (since the last musical), and I figured, why not give it a whirl?”

A veteran of many local productions, Walker-Hope brings considerable experience to the job, both behind the scenes and on stage. She chose “Grease” because it is familiar to most students, and still resonates with an all-ages crowd. “There are lots of great musicals out there, but this one is right up the kids' alley.”

David O’Leary, who lives in Margaretsville and manages the Evergreen Theatre, stepped in as producer, and other key production roles are being managed by parent and community volunteers. “From costumes to set construction and design and even providing healthy snacks during rehearsals, nearly every aspect of the show has the touch of a parent, student or community volunteer,” says Walker-Hope.

Set in 1959 at Rydell High School, the musical features a host of familiar songs, including ''Summer Nights,'' ''Greased Lightnin','' ''Freddy My Love,'' and ''Beauty School Drop Out';' and several full-scale dance numbers, choreographed by Kingston couple Sylvia and Mike Sampson.

Senior Taylor Rombaut and Grade 11 student Brittany Snow are tackling the lead roles as greaser Danny Zuko and goody-two-shoes Sandi Dumbrowski. Providing backup as the Pink Ladies are Nicole Palmer, as Rizzo; Emerald Kelly as her best friend, Frenchy; Clare Bustin in the role of Marty and Val Paquette as Jan. The T-bird crew is played by Gordie Patchett, Kenickie; Jeffrey Nichols as Roger, Nathaniel Peters as Doody and Josh Gratton as Sonny. The leads are supported by an additional 28 castmates, who breathe life to a variety of high school characters.

After offering a sneak preview to students at West Kings May 6, the show opens for a four-night run May 7 to 10, with evening performances at 8 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee is also being staged May 10. Tickets are available through the school, and can also be purchased at Pharmsave locations in Kingston, Berwick and Middleton. For information, call 847-4440.

WEBLINKS

westkings.ednet.ns.ca, click on the “Grease” link