South Park Drama Club Bringing Grease to the Stage

South Park Drama Club Bringing Grease to the Stage
Posted on 03/06/2023
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For those saying “tell me more, tell me more” about the upcoming South Park High School musical, the South Park Drama Club is excited to announce this year’s production will be Grease.


Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 30, March 31 and April 1. A 2:30 p.m. showing will close out the run on April 2. All performances take place in the South Park High School auditorium. 


"I'm thrilled to be bringing Grease back to South Park,” said director Joshua Baker. “As always, South Park Drama Club students build all of our sets, props, and even do some of the costumes. This time, we're making Greased Lighting a reality. The cast is really shining, owning their roles like nobody has ever played these parts before.  

  

“A lot of people want to see the movie on stage, but I think the stage show is better.  We're doing the best of both worlds here with some tracks from the movie, the bangers from the stage show and – BAM! – Grease at South Park. You won't want to miss it.”

 

Set in the 1950s, Grease is a playful musical comedy centered around a summer romance and an unforgettable cast of characters. The original film premiered in 1978, well before the South Park performers were born, and that has resulted in some character studies for the actors. 


“I have prepared for this by watching a lot of the movie and listening to the soundtrack to really get into character,” said freshman Owen Stillwell, who will play the role of Kenickie. “I've really tried to replicate that greaser attitude while, as an actor, putting my own personal spin on the character. On top of the movie Grease, I also referred to other greaser films like The Outsiders and West Side Story.” 


Junior Riley Ziegler, who will play Sandy, said, “For this role, I have put in a lot of vocal preparation. I have been practicing multiple days a week while simultaneously taking care of my voice. We have put in a lot of our time into this show and the club. We are a family and are so happy to share our talents with the community.”


Fans of the film can surely recite the famous quotes and songs word for word. The stage show, however, will have extended roles as well as musical twists and turns that even the most enthusiastic Grease fans may not see coming. 

“The stage musical features many new songs and characters that did not get much screen time in the movie,” said junior Madeline Linz, who will play the role of Rizzo.

Senior Lane Price, who will play Johnny Casino, said making a show like this really sing requires the hard work and talent of everyone involved. 

“Preparation for this show has been intense,” said Price. “There's going to be lots of high energy singing, dancing, and acting happening up on the stage, as well as intricate set pieces and technical feats. But, our cast and crew of students has been phenomenal! These kids are equally talented and passionate, and without them, none of the amazing things we do here would be possible.”

Behind the scenes, the crew will work at a fevered pace to keep up with the dance numbers and fast-talking characters. 

Bryan Chapman, a junior who will handle the live audio mixing, said that figuring things out on the spot is his biggest challenge. A mix-up here or there and limited technology are part of the charm of a high school production, but, “We will put on as amazing a show as humanly possible,” said senior crew member Jack Nelson.

These performances go a long way in not only supporting this year’s production, but helping to ensure that future performances can continue entertaining the South Park community for years to come. 

“The South Park High School Drama Club needs the community’s help and support to raise money for our shows,” explained sophomore stage manager Alexandra Stringe. “It’s not cheap and our shows and fundraisers are the only ways we get funds. Even by just coming to see the show, you are helping us to put on many shows in the future. We’re a family and we want this family to stick together for a long, long time.”


* This story was originally published in the March 3, 2023, edition of the Park News.
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