If you’re fond of lightning-fast cars, summer nights, beauty school dropouts and hopeless devotion, then “Grease” is the word (is the word that you heard). Those who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s fondly recall seeing the film in theaters and watching John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John dance their way into American culture.
From March 7-16, kids who weren’t even a twinkle in their parents’ eyes during the film’s heyday are bringing the fun and frivolity of the movie to the stage as San Lorenzo Valley High School presents the musical “Grease.”
Set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High, “Grease” follows the story of the lead “greaser,” Danny Zuko, and new (good) girl in town, Sandy Dumbrowski, as they try to reconnect after a brief summer romance. Along for the ride are the too-cool-for-school Burger Palace Boys and gum-smacking Pink Ladies.
Created to celebrate and simultaneously critique the 1950s, a decade defined by cultural conservatism, economic prosperity and social inequalities, the musical reflected its creators’ longing for the past while addressing the complexities of teenage life. The musical includes popular songs, such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “There are Worse Things I Could Do,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “We Go Together,” as well as catchy tunes from the original Broadway version (“Shakin’ at the High School Hop,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at a Drive-In Movie”).
“Grease” debuted off-Broadway on Feb. 14, 1972, at the Eden Theatre in New York City. The show transferred to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre, and later to the Royale Theatre, closing on April 13, 1980, after a record-breaking 3,388 performances. The film adaptation of “Grease” premiered in 1978 and became the highest-grossing movie musical of all time. “Grease” returned to Broadway twice, in a 1994 revival directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, and in a 2007 revival directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall.
SLVHS senior Cody Bumbaca-Thomas, 17, plays “Putzie,” the youngest member of the T-Birds gang headed up by Zuko. Bumbaca-Thomas has been in six productions including “Grease,” and enjoys his role as Putzie “because he’s a bit of a prankster and I love that.”
As to the overarching message in the production, Bumbaca-Thomas said, “I feel that people look for love in strange places and end up changing as a person because of said love. I hope that the audience leaves with an awareness of previous, current and future love in their lives.”
Betty Rizzo is played by senior Olive Huxley, who has been in four musicals during her time at SLVHS. Huxley has also performed in three plays and been involved in four middle school musicals in a technical aspect.
As to her character, Huxley said, “Rizzo is a very misunderstood, real character who has been one of my dream roles for a while. I think Rizzo is a very special character who’s spunky and incredibly fun to portray. She’s definitely sassy and at times mean, but at her core I think she’s just like a lot of teenagers, trying her best to find her own path and to stay true to herself.”
Huxley added that “Grease” is an iconic and campy show that she grew up watching—and then rewatching.
“Although some of the themes are slightly out of touch at times, I think the overall theme shouldn’t be taken as a love story but as a story of imperfect friendship, which I think can be very relatable for all, making ‘Grease’ such a memorable show/movie that keeps people coming back for more,” she said. “We have all worked incredibly hard and it fills me with so much pride to call this my last musical here at San Lorenzo Valley High School.”
For senior Nita Wright-Anderson, playing Sandy Dumbrowski is a dream come true.
“Sandy is such a special character because she holds so much kindness and empathy for others,” Wright-Anderson said. “She’s sweet, a bit naïve, and I find her so lovely. Sandy has been my dream role since I was first introduced to ‘Grease’ as a little girl, so it’s amazing to get the opportunity to portray her on stage.”
As for the decades between the movie’s introduction and its impact on society today, “I think ‘Grease’ is still so relevant because of the happiness that it brings people. The friendships, relationships and era of the show make it so much fun, both to be in, and to watch,” Wright-Anderson said. “I really hope the audience will have a night filled with laughter, music, and only a few tears shed. When it comes to Sandy, I hope that the audience leaves with the knowledge that she’s just a 17-year-old girl, who really liked a boy, in 1959.”
SLVHS senior Bradley Nowatzki plays leading heartthrob Danny Zuko.
“Danny is the biggest jerk I’ve ever played while somehow still (hopefully) being loveable. This is absolutely the role I wanted and I hope I do it justice,” Nowatzki said.
Will Guilford, co-director, has been directing musicals in the San Lorenzo Valley and throughout Santa Cruz County for the past 35 years. This year marks his 110th production directing/producing within the SLVUSD and Santa Cruz County.
“The play is set in 1959 and has such staying power due to the music and kids still digging rock ’n’ roll; moreover, their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents all know the show, thus, one way or another the show, characters and music is passed down from generation to generation,” explained Guilford. “However, many are not aware that the movie and play are not exactly the same. Of course, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John lit up the screen, another reason for such staying power. There are more songs in the play and it’s more comedic than the movie.”
Performances are set for Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, with Sunday matinees at 2pm. There is a special Community Night performance on Thursday, March 13, at 7pm when all tickets are discounted.
“We hope that the audience will have fun, as I’m sure many in the audience will be singing along, in their heads if not out loud,” Guilford said. “We also hope that the cast, crew, production team and the audience will catch a little history as well. Pre-show, intermission and post-show music will be piped in from the time period and images of the 1950s will pop up during set changes.”
A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase at the door one-hour prior to showtime; advanced tickets are highly recommended and available online at the SLV Theatre Boosters webpage. Note that this production is rated PG-13+ and includes mild adult themes.
