Greased lightning strikes school stage

NEED to warm up this wintry weekend? Oh-oh, those Summer Nights have arrived at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

Ballarat Grammar students will perform their 2022 senior school production, Grease the Musical tomorrow night, Thursday, 14 July until Saturday, 16 July.

The cast will sing beloved songs including You’re the One that I Want, and Greased Lightnin’, and play iconic characters like Sandy, Danny, and their friends in the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds.

Year 12 student Sophia Litras plays the role of Sandy, made famous by Olivia Newton-John in the film, and said the show has been slightly refreshed for contemporary audiences as well.

“It’s a classic romance between Danny and Sandy,” she said. “The essence of scenes and characters aren’t changing in our reimagined show, but as actors we’re focusing more on what it means to be a teenager, to be in love and to have big dreams.

“It’s the story people know and will still connect to, but is less intense in some areas, and more appropriate for a young audience.”

Year 10 student Holly Douglas is the musical’s assistant director, who also has an on-stage acting role.

“It’s a big challenge, but lots of fun, especially because we’re heavily inspired by pop-art this year,” she said.

“It represents freedom, new ideas and finding yourself. It’s bold, fun and wacky, and that’s what this show is all about; bold characters and fun on stage.

“We had an open casting process, with any gender in any role. It’s been a cool experience to see how we can update the show and keep the traditional elements.”

Year 11 student Joe Appleton plays Danny, and said he enjoys the social aspect of the senior production’s annual rehearsal and performance periods.

“We always form a bond between the year levels, and it’s fun to see everyone perform, and grow up on stage over the years,” he said.

One hundred and fifty young actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and backstage crew members are part of the production. Visit bit.ly/3nDYlBA tickets.