By Raina Wiseman
It’s greased lightning! The Avery County High School theater department will be performing Grease as their spring musical. Performances will be held in the ACHS theater, and tickets can be pre-ordered/pre-paid at the school or bought before each show at $5 a person. The show will run May 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM; May 8 at 2:30 PM; May 12, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM; and May 15 at 2:30PM. On May 8th, all mothers in attendance will be honored with a gift for Mother’s Day, and seniors will be recognized after the May 15th performance.
About 75 students are involved in the show between cast and production crew. “When you do a high school musical, it’s great to have all kids come together besides just the ones who do drama,” Bailey said about his cast which includes students in drama, band, dance, athletics, and more. Grease will also feature a student-led band, several elementary and middle school students, and a special appearance for “Beauty School Dropout.” Fourteen seniors will take the stage for the final time as one of the largest graduating groups in the department’s recent years.
“Grease is iconic in America,” said director Coleman Bailey about his excitement to bring the show to Avery’s community. Bailey is looking forward to taking elements from both the 1978 film and the recent Fox Live! event and incorporating them into the department’s production while adding the school’s own personal touch. “I couldn’t do any of this without the help of Shannon Perdue and Myra McCoury who gave our department their time and energy,” Bailey said.
Danny and Sandy will be played by seniors Dale Russ and Emma Shell. “People come expecting characters they’ve known their whole life,” said Russ about the pressures playing the role. Shell said, “It’s hard to decide where I want to go with Sandy’s character because so many people will be expecting Olivia Newton John.” “We have mainly worked on chemistry through dancing. You have to be able to trust in your partner,” Shell said about creating the characters’ stage romance. “People should see this show because it is the last show for a lot of us, and we’re going to give it every possible thing we can to make it the best show Avery County High School has ever performed.”
Grease touches on some sensitive subjects that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 7. The production will be tamer than the 1978 film version, so any children who have seen it will be suitable for the musical’s audience. Parents are ultimately asked to use their best judgment in allowing their children to attend.
For more information about Grease, visit the “Avery County High School Players” Facebook page.
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