ALMOST 1,500 people witnessed talented King’s Ely students stage the charming American musical Grease.
The sell-out production took place in the school’s Hayward Theatre from December 6th to 9th – and for the first time in school history included an additional performance on the Wednesday evening to cater for ticket demand.
More than 50 King’s Ely Senior students participated in the production, including not just the young actors and actresses but those backstage too in sound, lighting, make-up and costume.
Grease is arguably one of the coolest musicals to ever grace the West End and Broadway stage. Featuring a score by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the musical follows Rydell High School’s spirited class of 1959 gum-chewing, hub-cap-stealing, hotrod-loving boys with D.A.s and leatherjackets and their wise-cracking girls in teased curls, bobby sox and pedal pushers.
While hip Danny Zuke, played by Alexander Layfield, and wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Indea Cranner, resolved the problems of their mutual attraction for each other, the gang sang and danced their way through such nostalgic scenes as the pyjama party, the prom, the burger palace and the drive-in movie.
The production was directed by Kathryn Sudbury, musically directed by Peter North and choreographed by Natasha Hobbs, and featured hit musical numbers including Grease, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted, Summer Nights and We Go Together.
Principal of King’s Ely, Sue Freestone, said: “This is a musical that generates an energy of its own and those involved feed off that energy to reach new heights. This was a production that raised many a smile and wonder at the students’ musical, acting and gymnastic ability. Well done to all involved.”