By DONNA ALLEN
CHESTER – Green Mountain Union High School Drama Club presented ‘Grease’ last weekend to ‘wow”ed audiences on all three nights. The cast had their spark and pizzazz, and sang and danced their hearts out.
Co-Directed by Christine Saul and Cynthia Austin, the 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey took much practice. “Grease has been done at Green Mountain twice before, but these kids have never done it and some had never heard of it before,” said Austin.
The cast and crew worked hard and ‘produced’ for their directors.
Ashley Hensel-Browning, choreographer, had the cast dancing with1950’s moves. She did not “dumb it down” for this “baby” cast. They ‘produced’ for Hensel-Browning too.
The cast and crew received standing ovations on all three nights. Comments like “wonderful,” “stupendous,” “magnificent,” ”superb,” and “fantastic,” were heard at intermission and following the show. People were astounded by what they saw coming from a very young cast. There were very few in the cast older than ninth grade.
The 32-member cast consisted of Ben Haseltine (Danny) a senior planning to go on to study theater, Olivia Wright (Sandy), Alex Beshay (Kenickie), Anika Reitmeyer-Lankone (Rizzo), Royce Schultz (Doody). Rosie Saccardo (Marty), Erik Heitsmith (Roger), Anna Church (Jan), Clara Martorano (Sonny), and Rileigh Thomas (Frenchy).
Also Bri Luman (Teen Angel/Johnny Casino), Thatcher LaPrise (Vince Fontaine), Angelae Wunderle (Cha Cha), Pearl Myers (Patty), Philip Malazarte (Eugene), and Raevyn Stocker (Miss Lynch).
The ensemble/chorus included Camille Rivet, Marissa Sparkman, Mia Valente, Luna Burkland, Narelle Saylor, Emery Benoit, Diedre Moore, Clair Tyrell, Ioleandra Barbaro, Zoe Myer, Lily Jones, Caroline Donavan-Atwood, Bonnie Crowley, Ozzie Jewett, Sarah Devereux, and Bela Tumur-Ochir.
The pit orchestra, directed by Christine Saul did an outstanding job. Cindi Austin, who taught all the music to the cast, accompanied them on piano. The others in the pit orchestra were Izzy Cameron, Jonathan Oakes, Clayton Thompson, Katie Herrie, Michael Turk and Jenner Haseltine.
Stage crew included Abigail Williams, Kyleigh Moses, Lucy Applegate, Miles Garvin, Sarah Warnecke, Clara Gignoux and Rachel Guerra.
Working behind the scenes were Abigail Williams (stage manager), Angelae Wunderle (Dance Captain), Ozzie Jewett (Poster/Marquee), Clara Martorano (Program), Simone Martorano and Jordan Harper (lights), Kaylee Boissonnault (Sound), Chrystal Longe and Izzy Cameron (Makeup), Kristine LeFevre (Costumes), Amy Jones and Behind the Scenes class (Art and Set Design), and Hannah Monier (Hair Design). Also Mary-Ellen Haseltine and Angela Luman (Concession stand) and Josey Schultz (Set Construction)
Grease was the word at GMUHS and around the area following the production. Congratulations to all involved.
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