The magic of a musical doesn’t always hit its target, but Ann Sobrato High School’s presentation of “Grease” on Friday evening, May 12, definitely scored a bull’s-eye. Director Mark Masoni brougnt together a diverse group of vital performers in their rendition of high school life during the 50’s.
Theo Batiste opened the play with his snappy presentation of the distinguished alumnus, Eugene, more of a flirt than a nerd, while The Pink Ladies (Marianne Wentworth, Kayla Merten, Ashley Flippo, and Ana Cervantes) parodied the high school reunion with “Alma Mater.” Staging and lighting really supported the performers as the Burger Palace Boys, clad in the dark drab colors of hood clothes, sang stage right while the Pink Ladies paraded in their neon pink jackets front, stage left. Subsequent scenes were ushered by the back lighting of bright pink, somber blue and emerald green.
The Burger Palace Boys (John Baker, Sarah Greenland, David Alvarez, Ray Uini, and Daniel Burke) were dynamic as the 50’s boys, struggling with school, girls, and growing up. Kinnickey, in a perfectly rendered performance by Sarah Greenland, sparred with “his” girl friend Rizzo, portrayed by talented Marianne Wentworth. The Pink Lady of impossible love, Marty (Ashley Flippo), sang a soulful lullaby about her Marine “fiance” in “Freddy, My Love.” The sweet duet, “Mooning,” highlighted the acting and singing talents of Ana Cervantes and Ray Uini.
The female lead, versatile and accomplished actress Lisette Konynenberg, portrayed the shy and retiring Sandy, fresh from a summer romance with Danny, acted by John Baker.
Sandy is challenged by her Pink Lady “friends” to grow up by drinking booze, smoking cigarettes and piercing her ears. But when Sandy discovers that Danny Zucco has changed from the sweet summer love she once knew to a rebellious Burger Palace Boy, she must make the choice to remain a sweet “Sandra Dee” or to take her chance with new friends, a new identity, and a ride in the convertible of confidence, Greased Lightning.
The second act featured a classic moment when the Teen Angel (played by Dorion Wordlaw) swept down on his crescent moon to sing words of wisdom to “Beauty School Dropout” Frenchy (Kayla Merten). Wordlaw’s excellent dancing and Merten’s resistant yet youthful reactions to his advice made the scene an eye-opener for Frenchy’s uncertain future.
Sobrato’s band and choir director Erick Kalish, along with seven talented student musicians, performed the musical score for “Grease.” Judith Steinle, Scott Balog, Kaitlin Miller, Cameron Scott, Richie Valencia, Ernie Velasco, and Brandon Algarra were members of the energetic ensemble who made the 50’s era come alive.
This marks Masoni’s second production at Sobrato High School. He had previously inaugurated the Ann Sobrato Performing Arts Center in February 2006 with Shakespeare’s challenging tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.”
However, “Grease” was the first musical to be performed on the Bulldog Stage, and it certainly hit its mark—like lightning.
Catherine Connor is a junior at Ann Sobrato High School.
