In 1978, I stood in line at the Texan theatre in Athens, Texas to see the new movie “Grease”. I had never heard of the musical from Broadway but this movie really got my attention with the music, the dancing, the characters, and the life of high school students. My cousin and I would play the LP record (she got the whole thing and I just had a 45 of “You’re the One That I Want”), and recreated all the dance numbers and the characters from the movie.
In 1994, a revival of “Grease” hit the road after a run on Broadway and I got to see it live for my first time on the stage. After seeing it live, I was definitely interested in one day directing this show. Now with 40 middle school students, I am trying to recreate this fun, youthful show in a school version. As I did, you will get a good laugh out of how the lyrics have changed for the middle school students and how this Danny and Sandy are more concerned about going to the dance instead of other things.
There has been a huge team to work with me to present “Grease”. Thank you Averi and D’Lea for walking along with me to high school again. Thank you Aaron and Marissa for sharing your musical talents with our cast...which you have been so blessed with. Thank you Emily for coming on board to help us build some big numbers to share with our audiences...I hope we can do more! Thank you Taylor and those amazing high school theatre students who have helped us prepare a set, lights, and sound for a great show. And Kim, you will not get away from us...your friendship, costume talents, and wise direction has been a rock for me for these past 3 years. Don’t Gooooo!
I think that this cast has had so much fun. They have definitely enjoyed being with each other and rehearsing this show for you. There are many students at LBMS that love to perform and love theatre. Cheer them on as they do what they love to do. I have told them to smile and to really enjoy doing this. Show them how proud you are of them!
Let’s rock ‘n roll now! It’s time for “Grease”. I’m about done with poodle skirts and leather jackets, and ready to give this show to you. Tap your foot, laugh, and even take a hula hoop to move those hips.
A wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
Mr. Sims
