The classic 50’s tale Grease will be gracing the Langley auditorium from Nov. 10-12. Daily rehearsals for the annual fall production are in full swing, with cast and crew members staying after school until 5:30 to perfect their lines, polish their dance moves, and put finishing touches on the set.

Preparations began in early September. “I asked the students to tell me musicals that they’d like perform.  It’s a huge cast, most requested, a fun show, and should attract a huge audience,” explained director Ms. Jaffe. Grease is about two teenagers named Danny (played by senior Alex Lichtenstein) and Sandy (played by sophomore Kathleen Welch) who have an unforgettable summer fling.  The two, against the odds, find out that they miraculously go to the same high school. Their separate worlds collide and forever alter the status quo at Rydell High.

Langley musicals have a history of always featuring student-created costumes, make-up, and sets. “For [the number] Greased Lightning and the drive-in movie scene, Ms. Jaffe and the set crew are getting a real car from the junkyard, gutting it, and repainting it for the stage,” said freshman Caroline McQuaig.  Senior Taylor Goodson, who plays Frenchy, added, “For every day, there’s a different wig, each more colorful and fun!”

The actors and actresses have also been hard at work preparing for the production and making sure they can portray their characters well. “I think my character and I are exact opposites.  She’s very tough, but I think everyone can relate to her personality,” said senior Lauren Fernandez, who plays the role of Rizzo. Fernandez’s co-star Andrew Jones, who plays Kenickie, interprets his character as one who “tries to be tough and impress girls.  He’s not necessarily the smartest, but tries to be a good role model.”

Even though putting together an amazing show calls for superior commitment, it is definitely worth it. “It takes a lot of work on everybody’s part.  I think it’s getting a group of students that can give their time.  If we do our job right, the audience won’t wonder how much time is put into it,” says Ms. Jaffe. With hard work and dedication from the entire cast, there is no doubt that Grease is going to be the musical that everyone will be talking about.

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Photos by Rosie Brock