Grease is still the word: CHS Stagemakers present spring musical
Apr. 29—CAIRO — The Cairo High School Stage Makers are proud to announce their upcoming spring musical production of "Grease." The show is directed by Austin Harrell, under the musical direction of Joshua Moore, and choreographed by two CHS students, Eden Singletary and Najah Saadiq.
The creative team would like to extend a special "thank you" to Riverwood Flooring and Paneling for donating the needed lumber and to Yancy Burkes and the CHS Construction class for building the two story, reversible sets used in the show. According to the director, the show is completely student centered; Harrell said, "Students helped design our spectacular set, they built the set from the ground up, they painted, we have a student that costumed the whole show, we have student choreographers; we have always tried to make everything student centered, and it has been a privilege to help their visions come to life on the stage."
"Grease" is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. Per the Concord Theatricals website, "Here is Rydell High's senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding 'Burger Palace Boys' and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking 'Pink Ladies' in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head 'greaser' Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their 'Summer Nights' as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as 'Greased Lightnin',' 'It's Raining on Prom Night,' 'Alone at the Drive-In Movie' recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions place Grease among the world's most popular musicals."
Students have been hard at work on this musical masterpiece since January, dedicating two or more days a week to rehearsal. There are 53 total students involved in this production; 35 can be seen on stage and the other 18 are hard at work behind the scenes running lights, sound, and moving sets.
Music director, Joshua Moore says, "The music from Grease is iconic, to say the least. Of course there will be all the songs that people know and love from the movie, but there are also a few t shat are special and exclusive to the stage production that everyone will love as well. There isn't a single song from this show that isn't fun, exciting, or memorable!"
Dance Captain and student choreographer Eden Singletary says, "The high energy dances really amp up the feel of the show. We are sure to have the audience dancing in the aisles with us!"
Moore adds, "Our kids are spectacular. Some of the best singing I've heard from The Stage Makers is taking place during this show. I don't know why anyone would want to miss it!"
"Grease" will be performed at the Cairo High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, May 4, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5. The Sunday Matinee is their "Senior Spotlight Show" where the senior drama members will be recognized and honored. The Stage Makers are also proud to have a "Sensory Station" room available in the lobby of the CHS Auditorium so that audience members of all abilities can attend performances; this room contains a sound machine, various sensory items, a trampoline, and a swing. If an audience member becomes overstimulated at any point during the show, they are welcome to go calm down in the Sensory Station.
The directors would like to add that this is the original storyline of "Grease" and not a toned down version, so parental guidance is suggested when determining what age group to bring to see the show.
The Stage Makers hope you will "shake, rock, and roll" down and support the arts in Grady County! Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door or in advance at this website: www.our.show/cairogrease.
