Scott High School's GREASE: SCHOOL VERSION
- 17 hours ago
- 8 min read
Review by Clark Sayre, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
After they decked out their convertible and hand-jived the night away, Scott High School flipped on the radio and turned up the volume in its production of Grease: School Version.
Created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey in 1971, Grease follows two teens, Danny and Sandy, who unexpectedly bump into each other after their failed summer fling. The show follows the couple and their friends as they navigate relationships, school dances, drive-in movies, and—mooning? A fun-filled romp through the fifties, Grease tackles the value of identity in a story that shows the importance of telling someone, "We Go Together."
Scott High School transported audiences to Rydell High with their production of Grease: School Version. Due to their limited backstage space and hulking set pieces, Scott adapted to the extended scene changes by sending out Cortez Boston and Emmett Nunn to entertain the audience with a clown-like comedy show. This kept the show moving while also allowing the backstage crew to safely transition between scenes. Overall, Scott High School did a fantastic job with the resources that they had to create a deeply memorable show.
At the forefront of the production, Jackson Egan as Danny Zuko and Celena Granger as Sandy Dumbrowski were fantastic. Egan contrasted his commanding stage presence with his pure falsetto to show both Danny's love for Sandy and his leadership of the greaser gang, the T-Birds. On the other hand, Granger superbly demonstrated Sandy's arc. From her initial quiet innocence to her magnificent, flooring rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted," she was a consistent bright spot throughout the show.
Amidst the rest of the ensemble, the T-Birds rose to the top. They combined acrobatics, suave physicality, and flirtatious audience interaction to hilariously and seamlessly transform Kenickie's car into "Greased Lightnin'." Always getting in trouble, the T-Birds made sure that Grease maintained its classic, fun-loving feel.
Supporting the cast, the technical elements were just as excellent. The set crew, led by Kevin Meiners, crafted a set that perfectly encapsulated the time period of the piece and simply, yet effectively, combined multiple locations into a single, cohesive design. Despite it only being a simple high school, the set's multiple compartments and configurations allowed actors to create comedy that would have been impossible on a bare stage. Altogether, the set was not only visually stunning but also perfectly fit the needs of the show.
With lively acting and effective tech, Scott High School's production of Grease: School Version expertly created an extremely entertaining show that showcased the importance of belonging.
Review by Ella Adams, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
In a tale of teenage romance and rebellion, Scott High School stepped on the gas and took audiences back to the 1950s. This production of Grease: School Version was an electrifying ride full of nostalgia, humor, and rock and roll.
Grease: School Version tells the classic love story of Danny and Sandy, an unlikely pair who have a romantic summer fling. Though they never expect to see each other again once summer is over, Sandy transfers to Rydell High School only to discover that Danny is there too. While Sandy tries to reject social pressures and stay true to herself, Danny chooses to follow the crowd and ends up causing conflicts in their relationship.
Scott High School's production of Grease: School Version was bustling with energy on and offstage. From the lively cast's execution of the demanding numbers to the crew's creative solutions to challenging technical situations, their hard work ensured an exciting production.
As Sandy, Celena Granger captured the character's innocence and sweetness. Her soft demeanor paired with an angelic voice was especially showcased in her beautiful rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Jackson Egan portrayed Danny with rock star vocals and a rebellious persona. The dynamics created by the individual performers and the chemistry between them as a pair truly did justice to the iconic duo of Danny and Sandy.
Lillian Heidt brought the role of Betty Rizzo to life with stone-cold confidence. With each witty remark and fierce musical number, Heidt's bold presence and endless sass made her a standout performer. This attitude also heavily contrasted with that of many other characters, including Frenchy, who was played by Leia Owings. Leia's bubbliness and charming energy made her character adorably lovable.
The set, created by Kevin Meiners and their crew, brought the vintage and vibrant world of the 1950s onto the stage. This includes the impressive creation of a car used particularly in the song "Greased Lightnin'," innovatively crafted to be light enough to travel quickly across the stage while having the proper sturdiness so that the actors could safely use it in the dance number. These sets paired well with the fabulous lighting, designed by Micah Powell and the lights crew. Powell's work set the mood for each scene, matching the setting and emotion while adding lots of colorful flair along the way.
From the first rev of the engines to the final flash of "Greased Lightnin'," Scott High School's production of Grease: School Version was a thrilling rendition of the beloved story.
Review by Cecilia Rasmussen, Mariemont High School Critic Team
With records spinning and wheels rolling, Scott High School brought the '50s alive with their production of Grease: School Version. The cast and crew filled the stage with an aroma that immediately immersed the audience into a retro Chicago high school.
Grease was originally a raunchy show on stage in 1971, which was turned into a movie. It was heavily based on the common tropes of 1950s cinema where the lead female pulled out a softer version of the usual tough lead guy. It was inspired by the hit musical Hair's success, which was truer to the American experience and culture. Overall, Grease had an eight-year run on Broadway and has had two major revivals after that.
Grease: School Version entertains with a small cast, and Scott High School excelled at portraying each character with charisma and charm. Their cast clearly had so much drive, as every number, whether it was heavy with dancing or not, had incredible energy, compelling the audience to want to get up and hand jive.
Scott High School had a very strong leading cast, which boosted the show tremendously. Jackson Egan, in the role of Danny Zuko, had a compelling stage presence as he played Danny with a blunt and direct manner. Egan's strengths did not end at his acting abilities but flourished with his vocal skills. His devotional tone was conveyed clearly through each song. Another lead that stood out was Celena Granger in the role of Sandy Dumbrowski. Granger accurately portrayed Sandy's growth throughout the show with her acting skills, showing how at first she had a more reserved tone and towards the end was more demanding. Once again, Granger excelled in the vocal component of her performance, as the pure yearning was felt by the audience during "Hopelessly Devoted to You."
Other standout performances were seen by Kylan Sturgeon and Cortez Boston. Kylan Sturgeon played the role of Kenickie, a character who is crucial to the main plot and subplots. Sturgeon had an edgy but raw performance as he demanded attention in many numbers from his fellow cast members. Each of his movements felt powerful and connected to his character. On the other hand, Cortez Boston in the role of Eugene Florczyk brought the comedic relief. Boston went above and beyond with his character choices as he brought the energy of the audience into his performance.
The tech was a leading factor of Grease: School Version. Specifically, the set team, consisting of Kevin Meiners and crew, added another layer of attractiveness to the show with their high detail and immense set pieces. While some pieces were only used for singular scenes, there was clear thought and effort put into each one, like singular posters hung up on bedroom walls and the attachable car details for "Greased Lightnin'." The hair and makeup team, Clover Bailey, Sophia Marin, Aubrey Monterosso, and Nevaeh James, did exceptionally well at producing '50s-style hair and makeup. The work done on Frenchy's wig perfectly captured the softness and light-heartedness that the character embodies, with the light pink color and endearing waves.
Overall, Grease: School Version at Scott High School was nothing short of gripping as the heartfelt tale left the audience in awe with the talents expressed by the whole cast and crew.
Excerpts From Other Top Reviews
"Scott High School made the most of limited backstage space and put together an energetic and fun-filled performance. The recurring duo of Cortez Boston and Emmett Nunn burst onstage during transitions using comedic dances to cleverly mask longer scene changes. Additionally, the ensemble staging expanded beyond the stage as actors spilled into the aisles, pulling the audience directly into the lively energy of Rydell High."
-Adelaide Linser, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"Alongside Danny was his fellow greaser, Roger (Chase Underhill). Underhill captured the hilarious essence that Roger and his song are built to portray. The audience howled when he performed "Mooning" and slowly added exaggerated movements and body language throughout the production. The "Beauty School Dropout," Frenchy Facciano, played by Leia Owings, was the embodiment of an endearing friend. She was the softer member of the Pink Ladies, and Owings ensured that to exhibit that personality, she held a gentle accent and demeanor in every scene."
-Grace Siener, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"The set of this production is what truly gave the show its fifties feel. The show had a multitude of beautifully painted pieces designed by Kevin Meiners and crew. With some large pieces such as a beautiful pink bedroom having been used for only a single scene, Meiners clearly wasn't pulling any punches. In addition to the set, the hair and makeup work of Clover Bailey and crew made the time period beautifully evident, the hairstyles having just the right amount of grease in them."
-Violet Garitson, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"An element that deserves recognition is the use of lighting. Despite having a relatively new system, Micah Powell and Cameron Powell used the lighting intentionally to support the storytelling. One particular example of this occurred when Danny recounts his summer on one side of the stage, while Sandy does the same on the other side. Through deliberate choices, the stage was visually divided, allowing the audience to focus on each perspective without confusion. These subtle shifts helped guide attention, emphasizing the contrast between the two narratives. Even in moments when cues may not have been called cleanly, the lighting remained steady, ensuring the visual storytelling never lost its impact."
-Aashita Srivastava, William Mason High School Critic Team
"With an automatic, systematic, and hydromatic performance was Kylan Sturgeon as Kenickie. Sturgeon carried Kenickie's charismatic and tough nature with ease and delivered a highly spirited rendition of the iconic tune "Greased Lightnin'." At his side was Lillian Heidt, who captured the cynicism of Betty Rizzo expertly. Her biting sense of humor added both complexity and comedy to the show's upbeat atmosphere. Not to be forgotten were Cortez Boston and Emmett Nunn, as Rydell students who stole the show as they strode onstage in their eye-catching propeller hats and performed jaunty dance interludes during scene changes."
-Caroline Lovelace, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"The technical aspects of this show were impressive, giving life to the whole show. The set pieces, designed by Kevin Meiners and crew, were well-made and accurate to the time period. Especially impressive was Kenickie's car featured in "Greased Lightnin'." It looked the part of a believable car, it moved easily, and most impressive was its use in its first appearance. It was designed to be upgraded throughout the song, evolving its appearance in a striking way, and it also allowed actors to stand and move on it, allowing for interesting choreography at any point it appears. Hair and makeup, designed by Clover Bailey, also did the time period justice. One of the most iconic elements of Grease is the hair of the titular greasers, and Bailey's work did well to reproduce the hairstyles of the time."
-Zachary Stucker, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"Scott High School's production of Grease: School Version hit the ground running with the energy of the cast and the diligence of the crew. Together, both worked in harmony to immerse audiences in the 1950s, bringing Rydell High School to life!"
-Anna Parsons, Mercy McAuley High School