The Spartan Voice
Photos by Amy Cunningham
FALLGrease WRAP-UP Review By Wambui Ngunjiri People of the world! We finally got to see the production of same way by surrounding the audience and pushing them into GREASE that many students worked hard to produce, so let’s the halls of Rydell. Setting the stage is no easy task, but the review it. crew was nicely choreographed to be able to get anything anywhere anytime. We thank the efforts of Jordan the set To start with, the acting was incredible. There were over 60 designer, Chadwick the costumer, Maya Rai the stage people in this production, each giving their all and having a manager, and the incomparable Collegiate crew. good time. The main cast included Shelby Lair, Brandon Zhang, Andrew Porter, Grier Wiltse, Joey Kotkin, Aden The show, of course, is only possible with its leaders. We all Meyers, Erihana Vincent, AJ Nagabhushan, McKenzie know our music director Mr. Webber, but this year he teamed Varenhorst, and Erin Rolfe. There was an added level of up with two new directors for staging and choreography- Ms. complexity to the acting since the show takes place decades Lisa and Mr. Mba. We could never have done it without them. before our time. What looked like a simple enough job Ms. Lisa raised the acting to a new level, with new emotions; required the hard work and dedication of each cast member Mr. Webber brought an entire cast, each with unique voices, and they delivered. They took personal time to memorize into tune; and Mr. Mba created such lively and inspired lines, understand their characters, and go on their character’s choreography. He motivated the cast with his motto: “When journeys. When interviewed, each cast member gave a words aren’t enough, you sing, and when singing is not beautiful answer testifying to the emotion and depth they gave enough, you dance.” Each of them worked hard to bring our their characters and it shows on stage. show to life and we owe them great thanks. They also have stated how much they enjoy and admire the work of our The technical efforts of the show were inspired. Every person Collegiate cast. did their part to ensure the audience was completely immersed in the 50s high school known as Rydell High. The costumes Overall GREASE was a wonderfully done and received added brilliant color and transcended not only the audience, production. It came with many positive reviews from people but the actors. Watching the actors progress from the who were impressed with the beautiful singing, fast-paced beginning to opening night was incredible, but once everyone choreo, and efficient technical elements. Many were got in costume, the acting was cranked up to 1000%. The captivated by the quirky supporting characters, so shoutout to lights added a beautiful ambiance to the show by not only Cooper Winters (Eugene) and Melanie Reece (Teen Angel). guiding our eyes on where to look, but dipping the stage into Congratulations to everyone who put time and effort into the shades of not color, but emotion. The sound worked in the musical, you truly outdid yourselves.