Grease is the Word

Sierra Vista High School performs the musical “Grease” in the school theater on March 17, 18,  and 19 at 7pm, as the spring musical, chosen by the theater and choir students. Tickets go on sale  during early March on an online ticketing website, or pay at the box-office. The singing and  dancing can help students learn important life lessons, thanks to Ms. Whittenberger, Mr. Baltera,  and Mrs. Easter. 

“Grease” depicts teens living their life as high school students, set in the 1950s. The story  revolves around the relationship of goodie two-shoes Sandy and the bad boy Danny. It also  explores multiple high school problems in the story such as: heartbreaks, fitting into high school  cliques, self-acceptance, and peer pressure. 

In order to audition, students received short monologues and a few songs from the musical.  During the auditions students tried out for vocal, acting, and dancing. After those auditions  ended, call-backs auditions started, and a cast decision was made after call-backs. The musical “Grease” presents: Laura Nieland playing Sandy,  Maddox Beckham playing Danny,  Amelia Mejorada playing Rizzo,  Nathan Pormentira playing Kenickie, Donovan Scurry playing Doody,  Jessica McDonell palying Frenchie,  Julian Cothron playing Sonny,  Camila Dominguez playing Marty, Marshall Comerford playing Roger,  Aaralyn Saria playing Jan, Alyssa Ly playing Patty Simcox,  Braxton Harvey playing Eugene,  Josh Ortiz playing Vince Fontaine,  Thomas Owens playing Johnny Casino,  Leah Wilgard playing Mrs. Lynch, Lola Carbonetti playing Cha Cha.  School staff member Mr. Kenny Brown, also a part of the cast, plays the Teen Angel.  

The story originally debuted on Broadway as a play in 1971. Then 1978, it was turned into the  box-office smash that launched Olivia Newton-John’s and John Travolta’s careers. The movie  made history; however, some controversy exists surrounding the content. Such claims stem from  claims that the events made the movie sexist, racist, and homophobic. Also, the screenplay lacks representation from the LGBTQ+ community and people of color. Also, many take offense that women are depicted as objects. The film earned a PG rating, but with a warning for  frequently mild sex references and mild language.  

Despite the film’s controversy, Whittenberger believes the, “realistic aspects of life that teenagers  are faced with as they navigate through adolescence” helps students to see that they are not  alone. Additionally, Whittenberger hopes that the musical successfully communicates that  ultimately teenagers (and people in general) can overcome their differences in the spirit of  friendship.