Many local teens probably spend their Friday nights at a
friend’s house, vegging in front of the TV, or maybe doing
homework, but at least 38 of them will be hand-jiving and
doo-wopping across the stage tonight as San Benito Stage Company’s
production of
”
Grease
”
comes to life for the first time at the Granada Theater.
Many local teens probably spend their Friday nights at a friend’s house, vegging in front of the TV, or maybe doing homework, but at least 38 of them will be hand-jiving and doo-wopping across the stage tonight as San Benito Stage Company’s production of “Grease” comes to life for the first time at the Granada Theater.
“I’ve been involved with the theater ever since I was a teenager,” said Director Kathy Tom. “So doing this show, and helping teenagers learn and grow into their characters, is a special joy for me.”
“Grease” marks SBSC’s first attempt at a show designed for an all-teen cast, with actors ranging in age from 14-19. Previously, shows featured adults, young children, or “family casts,” offering parts to actors of all ages.
“We used to leave the teen age group to the high school’s drama department,” said Mary Beth Cochran, vocal director. “But our community has grown so much that there’s room and support for both of us to offer shows to teens.”
“Grease,” then, seemed an obvious choice to introduce a new generation to the world of musical theater, as well as a great way bring in a large audience.
“We had originally talked about doing it over a year ago,” said Tom. “It gives good kids a chance to play not-so-good kids, and the songs are so upbeat and fun. And on the business side, we knew that this was a show we could really sell.”
The business side, in particular, is a special consideration for a community theater group like SBSC, which relies mostly on donations and ticket sales to stay afloat. According to producer Mary Casillas, “Grease” will cost over $7,000 to put on, after the royalties, venue, sets and countless other expenses are paid for.
“The venue has been a special challenge for us,” said Tom. “Being a movie theater, the old Granada has no curtain to shut, so we’ve had to teach the kids to always be aware of their character, they can’t count on not being seen. It creates new learning opportunities for them.”
While the production was intended to be a learning experience for the young actors, pains were taken to make sure young audience members weren’t exposed to anything parents might object to them learning – the original production featured often racy lyrics and themes.
“The publishing company, Samuel French, got a lot of complaints from parents and teachers who wanted to produce ‘Grease’,” said Tom. “So they put out a ‘school version’ – the smoking and drinking references are gone, and so is the swearing. It’s squeaky, squeaky clean.”
“We did choose to keep the issue of teen pregnancy in, however,” she continued. “A good show will bring up a social issue and examine it, and we still want to do that. Yes, teen pregnancy happens, and it’s not a good thing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it.”
Tom says she’s received no complaints from parents about the nature of the show, and the actors themselves couldn’t be more pleased.
“This has been a great show to be a part of, because a lot of us have been in plays since we were little, and everyone knows what they’re doing,” said Lizzy Grover, 17, who plays Sandy. “It’s been a huge time commitment, but it’s way worth it. This show is a blast.”
“Grease” shows tonight and tomorrow, and November 4 and 5 at 7pm at the Granada Theater, as well as October 30 and November 6 at 2pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors, and are available at the door, from cast members, at Postnet and online at www.sanbenitostage.org.
