Bust out your poodle skirts and pomade,
”
Grease
”
is the word all over again at the Vet’s Hall this weekend and
next. Just ask any one of the 112 young people in Rainbow Theatre’s
cast.
Hollister – Bust out your poodle skirts and pomade, “Grease” is the word all over again at the Vet’s Hall this weekend and next. Just ask any one of the 112 young people in Rainbow Theatre’s cast.
“It’s a really big play,” said 15-year-old director Aubrey Miller. “With lots of singing and dancing … but the kids catch on really fast and the big cast just makes it more fun.”
“Grease” was made into the highest grossing musical film of all time, and ranks as one of the longest running shows on Broadway. So naturally, it was only a matter of time before Danny and Sandy hand-jived their way to Hollister.
“This is a really special show, and a great show for the summer,” said Ron Miller, founder of the company and set designer for this production. “People have been begging us to do it. We’ve had kids who haven’t been in our shows for two or three years who came back just to do ‘Grease.'”
“This is my first play,” said nine-year-old Jessica McGill, who plays a Pink Lady. “I want to do it again. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s cool afterwards, when people ask for your autograph and give you flowers. I feel more confident on stage than when I started, because it’s fun. You get to feel like a movie star.”
Longtime fans of the show might recall a few questionable lyrics or themes – considering the cast is comprised of children as young as five – but the director isn’t worried about heat from critics.
“The script we got is a teen version of the show, so it’s been cut in places,” she said. “The smoking scene isn’t there, for one. But no one’s complained so far. And really, if a parent is bringing their kid to try out for ‘Grease,’ they probably know what they’re getting into.”
“I’ve been in five shows, but this is the best,” said Jonathan Rudolfs, 14, who plays Danny Zuko. “I mean, come on, it has T-birds. But it’s always fun. I think every kid should try it at least once. You have a good time and you get to meet a lot of people.”
The production is a family affair, with Aubrey’s sisters Ashley and Arial producing and choreographing the show, respectively, as well as the girls’ mother Jeanette serving as casting director.
“We started Rainbow Theater five years ago, when the City of Hollister approached us about forming a real children’s theatre here,” said Mr. Miller. “We give everyone a part, everyone participates, and no one is turned away. The idea is theater for children, by children. Our producer is only 19-years-old, and the choreographer is 13.”
“What I see happening is a significant growth in these children,” he continued. “Not just on stage, but at school as well. Their confidence in speaking and communications really improves.”
‘Grease’ showtimes are tomorrow and next Friday at 7pm, with Saturday and Sunday shows at 4pm. Advance tickets are $7 for children and seniors and $10 for adults. Ticket are $8 and $11, respectively, at the door.
