GREASE S U P E R B I S T H E W O R D

BY ELLIE BOURKE

With the opening night of "Grease: the Musical" complete it must be said the TY's made their mark with dazzling dances and outstanding performances all around. From the incredible cast to the teams in the wings, they really knew how to put on a show

The impressive "T Birds" and the fashionable "Pink Ladies" ran the night with flair and professionalism and, of course, our two leads, Danny Zuko (Gus Dolan) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Laura Hogan), were shining stars. These two lovebirds demonstrated their talents through their exceptional voices and terrific acting abilities.

The main cast rose to the task of taking this show to the next level These talented stars really blew the audience away under the stage lights: Holly Danaher as Rizzo, Christopher Kelly as Kenickie, Johnny Harkin as Rodger, Nancy Quiney as Marty, Liam Finn as Sonny, Grace Roche as Jan, Pippa Bellows as Frenchy and Otis Glynn as Doody.

There were a few performances that simply cannot be overlooked for their hilarious and entertaining twists on the characters: Isabella Stewart as Patty, Patrick Chen as Eugene,Turlough McCracken Brown as Vince Fontain, Adam Butler as Teen Angel, Odhran Hoey as Johnny Casino, Nicola Harmon as Ms Lynch and Tim Langan as coach

The atmosphere was electric as they took the stage and it seemed the show exceeded all expectations. From the first shimmy in the opening performance to the final bow these students should be proud of putting on such an incredible display of talents representing Transition Year 2023!

BY PIPPA BELLOWS

Pre-musical, I got to interview Ms Olohan and Róisín, the powerhouses behind our fabulous show. Both are so excited for the performance and have put so much effort in, so a big thank you to them!

I began by asking when the preparation started and Ms Olohan told me that she started prepping in September! She then held 6 weeks of musical auditions and then Róisín came in at the start of January to help us get underway with dancing.

Róisín then told me that coordinating the dancing took a long time because she had to make sure that everyone was visible during the dances and that they had a partner.

When asked what their favourite number was, both said the hand jive, so the audience should be excited for that one! Róisín's favourite scene is the infamous Sandra Dee scene followed by an angry Sandra. Their favourite part of getting ready for the musical is being together, awwww! Roisin would take dancing over lines and singing and no surprise, Ms Olohan would pick singing. Both Róisín and Ms Olohan are super excited for the musical and think the cast and the year are going to be great.

Musical Prep

BY HARRY OWENS

There were many highlights and laughs throughout the rehearsals and the show

The dress rehearsals were so much fun as everybody got into their costumes and makeup for the first time. The boy’s hairstyles looked very silly at first and many of the boys were reluctant to get gel in their hair and makeup on their faces.

The girls hairstyles were equally as funky and American as you can imagine They were curly and tied back with bows or bobbins. The girls had to wear big fancy dresses and some of them wore cheerleader costumes They really brought Rydel High to St Gerard's

There were lots of laughs in the rehearsals, especially at the Grease Lightning song. The choreography was great and the solo dancing was very funny. Lots of funny moments were created on the top of the stage by Turlough and Odhran Hoey as well. It really brought us together.

Meet The Leads

Sandy Dumbrowski: Laura Hogan

Costumes: Opening costume: yellow cardigan with white skirt and shirt, a belt, white socks and shoes.

Prom dress: floral dress.

Freddie my love scene: silk pyjamas and robe

You're the One That I Want Scene: leather jacket with black trousers and red high heels

Songs to sing: Hopelessly Devoted, Summer Nights, Sandra Dee reprise, You're the One That I Want and It’s Raining on Prom Night.

Personality: Shy at the beginning, more confident and romantic towards the end

Favourite line: “Tell me about it stud.”

Favourite dance routine: “You’re the One that I Want.”

Highlight of the show: “Hopelessly Devoted”

BY KATIE FENELON

Danny: Gus Dolan

Costumes: blue jeans, boot cut tight jeans, white shirt, leather jacket, biker jacket with T-bird logo on the back with black converse.

Prom night: black jeans, white shirt, tie and turquoise blazer.

Track star outfit: white socks, baggy t-shirt with the number 11 on the back with white and red shorts. Songs: Summer Nights, Sandy, You're the One that I Want.

Personality: Cool, calm, confident high school bad boy.

Favourite line: Kenickie: “thank God” after Rizzo realised her "friend was visiting".

Favourite dance number: Hand Jive.

Highlight of the show: The energy of Grease Lightning

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