The theater was filled with the pride of Rydell High and rock and roll from the 1950s as audiences gathered for the choir department’s spring musical, Grease, on April 3-5.
“Execution of the show was tremendous,” director Pat Ribar said. “Several teachers shared with me how they liked the casting of the show. That is largely due to the students taking on the roles so well. Each cast member found a way to bring their character to life in a unique way.”
Students had the undertaking of bringing the popular story of Grease to life. The musical adaptation of the 1978 original movie follows the story of Danny Zuko, the charismatic leader of the Greaser gang, who was played by senior Andrew Jones, and his innocent love interest, Sandy Dumbrowski, played by junior Jada Randecker, as they navigate the romances, friendships and high school experiences.
“Playing Sandy was so much fun and a little intimidating at times because of how well-known the musical and her character both are,” Randecker said. “I found myself really relating to her in a few ways, which made portraying her on stage very enjoyable.”
However, it wasn’t just students on stage. Counselor Brandon Shostak joined them by playing the role of Teen Angel and sang the famous “Beauty School Dropout” song.
“I want to thank the GEHS music department for asking me to be a part of this year’s production,” Shostak said. “And I was to thank those characters who were around me on stage [Frenchy and the Angels] for being tolerant and flexible with my ad lib antics on stage – it was so much fun to be part of it all.”
Shostak formerly served as a choir director at Gretna High School before becoming a counselor, and the production served as his first debut back on stage.
“It was very cathartic for me to be on stage with fellow musicians who want to put on a good show,” he said. “Additionally, as a degree removed from the music teaching space, I have never performed on stage with students. It was a really awesome experience.”
The production was the culmination of over three months of rehearsals for students, pit members and the crew.
“I think the show was a great growing opportunity for the entire cast, and it pushed us as performers,” Randecker said. “I saw a lot of crazy improvement from everyone involved, and I am hoping that the idea of sticking with something even when it’s difficult stays with everyone as they continue onto their next year of high school or college.”
Ultimately, as the cast and crew “closed the yearbook” on their time at Rydell High, anticipation for next year’s production has already begun.
“I hope the audience found [this year’s] story refreshing and nostalgic,” Ribar said. “We have all been in high school and can relate. Future shows are always exciting for me. Nothing is decided for next year. I like to get the seniors through these last few weeks and then begin the process of planning next year. We have great talent, and I am eager to see what the future will bring.”
