AMTC Starlights Grease Programme

amtc

starlights

youth theatre

for 11-17yr olds

Programme media partner

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WELCOME TO RYDELL HIGH! DIRECTOR - CAROL ROBINSON

Since andover musical theatre company became a charity in 2010, one of our charitable aims was to educate and encourage young people into the theatre and it has long been a goal of our committee to create a youth section of our theatre company. In 2017 year, thanks to the very generous donations of Test Valley Borough Council and the Andover Rotary Club Inner Wheel, we were very pleased to launch AMTC starlights.

Our inaugeral production of Joseph was very well received, with audiences impressed by the level of talent, confidence, and overall quality of the show.

So it is with great delight that we bring to you our second production Grease. The last 6 months have been a blast as I have had the priveledge of working with some incredibly talented young people. For some, born naturals seeking a career on the stage, while for others it has been a new challenge, a learning curve, and it has been a pleasure to see them grow throughout rehearsals. Taking part in a show like this not only helps develop acting, singing and dancing skills, but also helps kids to learn to focus and concentrate on learning lines and moves, grow with confidence, and most important of all - make new friends.

I’m sure you will agree we have a lot of talent on stage, so please give them the support they so deserve, enjoy the show, and please dont forget to tell your friends and share your experience on social media!!!

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THE STORY

It’s 1959, and Rydell High School’s senior class is in rare form.

The too-cool-for-school “T-Birds” are stealing hub-caps and acting tough and their gum-snapping, chain-smoking “Pink Ladies” are looking hot in bobby sox and pedal pushers.

The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this rollicking musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the fifties and a satire of high schoolers’ age-old desire to be rebellious, provocative and rebellious.

At the heart of the story is the romance between hot-rodding gangster Danny Zuko and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy Dumbrowski.

They had a secret romance in summer, but now back in the context of school, peer-pressure and cliques make their love a bit more complicated.

Can Danny maintain his cool dude status and still get make demure Sandy his girl?

The whole gang sings and dances around Danny and Sandy’s romance, through such hit songs as “Summer Nights”, "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together”, recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. Starting off with an eight-year Broadway run, Grease is among the world’s most popular musicals and has a cult-like following, especially among teens!

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GREASE MOVIE TRIVIA Grease is a classic in the world of movie musicals. Everyone has seen it, or at least a scene or two, at some point in their life. But there’s a lot more to this 1978 film based on a musical set in the 1950’s than you thought. Jeff Conaway (RIP) played Danny Zuko on Broadway and John Tavolta was Doody, but did you know Elvis was offered a role?

Elvis was initially offered a role in the film...

It is believed he would play the Teen Angel role, but he did not accept.

GREASE WAS THE HIGHEST-GROSSING FILM OF 1978.

In the stage play, the song had a reference to Sal Mineo, who was murdered in 1976. For the movie, they changed the lyric to “Elvis, Elvis, let me be!

Keep that pelvis far from me!” In reference to Elvis Presley, who died the same day the scene was filmed. The day was August 16, 1977.

All of the cast members were too old for high school... John Travolta was 23, Jeff Conaway was 26, and Stockard Channing was 33 (older than Dennis C. Stewart A.K.A. Crater face or Leo, Leader of the Scorpions, who was 30). The two closest to high school age were Lorenzo Lamas (Tom) and Dinah Manoff (Marty), they were both 19.

“Hopelessly Devoted to You” was written after filming wrapped The producers felt that Olivia Newton-John needed a huge ballad for the film. This song actually ended up receiving an Academy Award nomination.

In the stage production, “Greased Lighting” is not sung by Danny, it’s sung

by Kenickie, but John Travolta convinced the producers to let him sing it.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN’S PANTS WERE SO TIGHT WHEN FILMING “YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I WANT,” THAT THE ZIPPER WAS BROKEN SHE HAD TO BE SEWN INTO HER PANTS EVERY MORNING! It took a week to shoot the dance contest. They were on location in a real school at the time in downtown L.A. Originally Sandy was not intended to dance in this scene, it was meant to be just Danny and Cha Cha. It was reputedly 116 degrees during filming. Several extras suffered heat-related illness.

But... it took only one day to film “You’re The One That I Want” It was filmed with a travelling carnival that was there only for the day.

The next day, director Randal Kleiser wanted to film some extra close-ups, but the carnival had left, so they had to recreate pieces of that set to accomplish it.

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THE CAST

SANDY - LUCY SUMNER Lucy has wanted to play the role of Sandy since winning a school talent show singing Hopelessly Devoted To You aged 7! She has continued to impress with her powerful voice and one year reached the final 9 of the National Finals of the Big Parks Resorts when she got lots of advice from celebrity judge Sam Bailey. She is often asked to perform solos in local events such as Andover Proms In The Park, the carnival and the xmas lights switch on. Lucy also loves musicals and since playing Annie age 10, has performed in Les Miserables, Singing in the Rain, and Wizard of Oz.

DANNY - JOE SARTIN Rookwood School pupil Joe is a familiar face on stage with AMTC, having most recently starred as Joseph, alongside Matthew, in Starlights’s debut production as well as Pugsley in The Addams Family. He is very musical and in addition to singing and playing guitar for grades, writes songs and performs with his rock band. Joe loves being part of a large production, from the music and acting to the friendships and camaraderie formed with others who enjoy the arts as much as him. He would love to be an actor musician in the future and hopefully find success with his songwriting.

TEEN ANGEL - JAKE WARD (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Night Performance)

Although only 24, Jake has been entertaining local crowds for 10 years here in Andover, where he has lived and worked for most of his life, and at other venues across the UK. Once dubbed the Bruce Forsyth of the town, as a charismatic solo performing artist of covers ranging from the rat pack era to recent hits, he is also a regular and enthusiastic supporter of community events. Having recently graduated from the University of Roehampton, he is extremely proud to be back home singing at the Lights with this fantastic group of young people. He hopes you have a great time and remember….

Grease is the word! Follow Jake on Instagram@helloimjakeward

TEEN ANGEL - ALEX KRUPA (Saturday Night Performance)

Alex is a country singer/songwriter from Andover. Alongside working full time, he presents a country radio show on Andover Radio, organises events including a mini festival happening on the 25-26th August and plays gigs as often as possible. On top of all that, at the end of the year, Alex will be releasing an album, with songs all written by him, a music video and a single so keep an eye out for them! Alex is really looking forward to getting back to some acting, having studied drama at college and university, and is super excited to be a part of this production. You can find his Facebook page “Alex Krupa Country” and on Instagram@alexkrupacountry.

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Kayley Craven Cha-cha Digregorio

Kimberley Craven Ensemble

Maya Doherty Ensemble

Donna Doig Ensemble

Holly Edmonds Ensemble

Amelie Knight Cheerleader / Ensemble

Henry Lambert Ensemble

Alex Linnecar Jonny Casino

Amy Lloyd Radio Singer / Ensemble

Elyssa Newell Ensemble

Millie Nias Cheerleader / Ensemble

Ellie Page Eugene Florczyk

Jasmine Peacock Patty Simcox

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Tavis Watkins Ensemble

MISS LYNCH KATHY RAWLES

Kathy has been a member of AMTC for over 30 years!

She has appeared in many shows and will be on stage again in November for the company’s production of Legally Blonde.

She was very excited when asked to be part of #teamStarlights and says, “It’s great to see the young ones gain new skills and grow in confidence.”

She has had fun playing Miss Lynch and working with this amazing group of young ‘stars’.

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PINK LADIES BETTY RIZZO - LILY SITCH- OLIVER Lily moved to Andover only this year but in that short time has not only joined Starlights but gained quite a reputation as an accomplished dancer with Suzanne School of Dancing and Andover Youth Dance Company whose Elite class she will be joining in September. Her previous main roles have included Tallulah in Bugsy Malone, assistant directed by Kate Winslet! She has particularly loved making new theatrical friends with the Grease cast. Lily’s ambition is to go to stage school.

FRENCHY - IMOGEN PATERSON Imogen has performed with numerous theatre companies since getting the drama bug in pantomime with Burdock Valley Players aged 7. Her involvement with AMTC, however, began when joining the company for first Annie, followed by Oliver and then Starlights’s first show Joseph last year. She is also a dedicated member of Bella Voce, Testbourne’s acclaimed school choir, which toured Italy last year. Imogen is really looking forward to wearing a pink wig as Frenchy!

JAN - BETHANY GRIFFITHS Bethany first performed with AMTC as the youngest orphan Molly in Annie and has since returned for Oliver and Joseph. She particularly enjoys character roles and loved being Bert in her school production of Mary Poppins and the affected actress in Burdock Valley Player’s The Script. She also attends classes at AYDC, Louise Vincent and Suzanne’s dance schools. Bethany is participating in the Mayflower’sSYP Les Miserables immediately after Grease and has been cast as Flynn in BVP’s Rapunzel in December.

MARTY - JAIDA-MAE PLEDGE Jaida-Mae had been looking to get involved in local drama so when she saw the auditions poster thought she’d give it a go. She now loves being part of Starlights, as she finds everybody is so positive and friendly, and she has particularly enjoyed meeting all the cast of Grease. Her favourite pink lady is of course Marty because she is funny and stylish, which means she gets to wear some great outfits and cool sunglasses!

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T BIRDS KENICKIE - WILLIAM PARKER Until recently, William was attending the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, where he has experienced numerous exciting opportunities including shows at the London Palladium and West End Live. His passion is for musical theatre, and dance in particular, having first performed as Kurt in the Sound of Music, then Artful Dodger in Oliver and the multiple roles of Pharaoh, Jacob and Potiphar in Joseph.

He is continuing to follow his dreams of an acting career in the autumn, having successfully auditioned to join Laine Theatre Arts.

DOODY - CHARLIE NOCK Charlie loves acting and appeared in both Singing In The Rain and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Lights last year. For the latter he had to nurture a French accent for his solo but is back to American for Grease!

He is enjoying being part of Starlights again and having so many nice people to work with. Apart from his passion for musicals, Sister Act being his favourite, Charlie is also a keen artist.

ROGER - MATTHEW NEILSON Matthew has had a busy year since starring as one of the Josephs in our production last summer. First he played the part of John in the Theatre Royal Winchester’s pantomime Peter Pan, followed by performing in BATS Next Gen’s Les Miserables at The Haymarket, Basingstoke. Finally, he was thrilled to be Dewey Finn in his school’s production of his favourite musical School of Rock. We’re looking forward to hearing what next year has in store!

SONNY LATIERRI - ALFIE WATERS Alfie loves drama but has so far only been involved in school productions so we are delighted that he has joined Starlights. He has enjoyed meeting new people.

Just like his character, Alfie is always joking and smiling and making everybody laugh, so the role of Sonny is ideally suited to him! Alfie is also a keen footballer so publicity photoshoots had to be planned around England matches!

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THE] CHOIR

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WALLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR Rachel Howarth, Alisha Blackman, Iris Woodrow, Millie Youd, Mollie Shaw, Ellie Evans, Daisy Cole

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THE SONGS ACT ONE

Grease Is The Word.............................................................T-birds, Pink Ladies and Ensemble Rydell Alma Mater................................................ Miss Lynch, Patty, Eugene and Ensemble.

Rydell Alma Mater – Parody.................................................................. T-birds and Pink Ladies Summer Nights......................................Sandy, Danny, T-birds, Pink Ladies and Ensemble Those Magic Changes.................................................................................... Doody and Ensemble Freddy My Love......................................................................Marty and Pink Ladies, Ensemble Greased Lightning..........................................................................................T-birds and Ensemble Rydell Fight Song........................................................................... Sandy, Patty and cheerleaders Mooning.............................................................................................................................Roger and Jan Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee..........................................................................................................Rizzo We Go Together...................................................... Danny,T-birds, Pink Ladies and Ensemble

ACT TWO

It’s Raining On Prom Night................................................................... Sandy and Radio Singer Born To Hand Jive........................................................................................................Vince Fontaine Hopelessly Devoted To You......................................................................................................... Sandy Beauty School Dropout............................. Teen Angel, Pink Ladies and Female Ensemble Sandy.................................................................................................................................................. Danny Rock ‘N Roll Party Queen.....................................................................................................Orchestra There Are Worse Things I Could Do........................................................................................Rizzo Sandra Dee – reprise..................................................................................................................... Sandy You’re The One That I Want..............Sandy, Danny, T-birds, Pink Ladies and Ensemble Finale................................................................................................................................... Full Company

THE BAND Keyboards..................................Tim Newbury and Colin Gray Guitar.................Jack Rennie, Dave Yates and Dave Jurgens Bass................................................................................... Sam Tookey Drums.................................................................................Dave Allon

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

COLIN GRAY

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PRODUCTION TEAM

Director and Choreographer………………......................................................................................................... .Carol Robinson Musical Director............................................................................................................................................................. Colin Gray Middle Wallop Primary School Choir Director................................................................................... Martin Lambert Set design and construction..........................................................................................Carol Robinson and Eddie Nias Set painting and dressing......................................................................... Members of AMTC and AMTC Starlights Sound and Lighting design.....................................................................................................Ed, Claire and William Nias Sound Technician........................................................................................................................................................Ashley May Stage Manager....................................................................................................................................................... Carol Robinson Wardrobe Mistress.................................................................................................................................................. Denyse Coles Wigs..............................................................................................................................................................................Becky Rungen Marketing and Publicity............................................. Nikki Harsent-Noke, Louise Ellison and Andrea Griffiths Poster and Programme Design.......................................................................................................................... Louise Ellison Programme Advertising.........................................................................................................................................Charley Sitch Programme Headshots...................................................................................................... Duncan and Lorraine Paterson Rehearsal Chaperone/Assistant....................................................................................................................... Kathy Rawles Children’s Licences and Chaperone Coordinator..................................................................................... Denyse Coles Production Assistant.........................................................................................................................................Andrea Griffiths Front of House............................................................................................................. Sue Parker and members of AMTC

THANK YOU

The Lights for rehearsal facilities, selling tickets and theatre hire.

Rookwood School for rehearsal facilities.

Schaefer for allowing use of their facilities for storage.

Le Creuset for allowing use of their facilities for storage.

Simon Chesshire at Haydown Farm for storage.

BATS for costume hire.

Tracey Fryer and Lenham Storage for set transport.

The Ferry, Burseldon for Prom Decor Little Nellies Diner for the use of their premises for publicity photos Valley Gas Speed Shop for the use of their premises for publicity photos Duncan Paterson for additional photography Instagram @silvermachine66 Burdock Valley Players for loan of microphones.

Andover Radio, Andover Advertiser, Andover Gazette, Andover Carnival and the Mayor’s Picnic for support with publicity.

Parents & friends of AMTC Starlights for chaperoning backstage, acting as stage crew, donation of raffle prizes, help with events and generally supporting and chauffeuring our amazing young cast!

Andover Musical Theatre Company is a charity registered in England 1143762

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ROOKWOOD SCHOOL

Co-educational | Day & Boarding | 2- 16 Years

An outstandingly happy and successful school

OPEN MORNING

Thursday 20th September 9.30am-12.30pm To book a place please call 01264 325900 Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AL www.rookwoodschool.org

New school bus routes available STARLIGHTS_GREASE_FINAL_PROGRAMME.indd 16

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