Bringing Back The '50s

Months of preparation, learning lines and choreography, building a set and making programs, all while balancing school, outside jobs and other extra curricular activities, the whirlwind is coming to an end this weekend for the cast, crew and directors of the Glasgow High School production of Grease. All of the hard work, stress, and often times the feeling of being overwhelmed will all be worth it when everything comes together for Golden Ticket night this Thursday, March 9 and official opening night on Friday, March 10.

This year's production has been more student led than in years' past, under the direction of director Lizzie Peters, assistant director Shyanne Wallace and musical director Melissa Mickelson. The cast initially felt it was crazy of Peters and Wallace to give them so much responsibility, however "it turned out cool," expressed Gabe Proctor, who is playing Teen Angel and Johnny Casino. Peters, who has previously worked with Glasgow Middle School productions, has loved being able to direct high school students. "It's been a roller coaster, but really great. They have done a real great job putting it all together! I also love that high school students can drive, and they can get me food!," laughed Peters. In addition to being the director, Peters teaches at the Glasgow Middle School, "I get to the school at 8 a.m., get done at 4 p.m., and then come to the high school until the night time. It's been a lot of time invested, but it's been awesome and a lot of fun!," she explained.

Senior Codi Donniaquo has had longer days than most of her cast mates as she is the only senior on stage in the production and she travels from Hinsdale, as she is a student at Hinsdale School. "Basically I have based my schedule and other activities around the play. I often stay with my friend here in Glasgow, and I have to say, sleeping on the floor is a great experience!," laughed Donniaquo, who plays Sandy in the production. Sophomore Adam Mickelson is playing opposite Donniaquo in the role of Danny.

Though it has been a student led production, freshman Kyler Whitman, who plays Doody, wasn't even expecting to be on the stage. When rehearsals first started, he was in charge of the lighting. However due to shifts in the cast, he was brought down from the crows nest. "I performed all three years in middle school," he explained.

Cast members eighth-grader Aspen Probert, playing Marty, and home school student Amber Pearson, playing Frenchy, have had unique perspectives during the entire process. Probert, who has performed in middle school plays for two years has had a blast. "It's been really fun, I like being on the stage. I also know all of the cast and it's been a good fit," Probert stated. Pearson, who has been on stage with the Missoula Children's Theatre as well as middle school productions, stated she has been able to have a part in a variety of different aspects of the production. "I helped paint the Grease sign and some of the set," she explained while Tanner White, who plays Kenickie, interjected, "You painted a lot of it!," while Jorden Mix, who plays Rizzo, laughed "Hey I painted one letter!" In addition to having a hand in a little bit of everything, Pearson has enjoyed getting to know everyone involved in the production and is already looking forward to next year's production.

"It was brave of them [the directors] to give us so much responsibility in this play. It was either going to go well or backfire. They took the risk and we proved them right," stated White. "We have been able to make this our show," stated Pearson.

While Peters was involved in the middle school play productions, it was tradition for the current seventh-graders to choose the following years' play and she wants to keep that tradition for future high school productions. "White is our only junior and he wants to do an ambitious play next year. Though he is the only junior, he has been in discussions with current and future cast mates to gather their input as well," stated Peters.

Wallace is excited to show the community all of the hard work that has been put in so far, stating

"I was so nervous to be the assistant director, but I am so grateful I took the leap. These kids have made this such an incredible experience. Everyone has worked so hard, and I can't wait for our community to see the talent these students have!

Grease will be performed at the Glasgow High School Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, at 7 p.m., as well as Sunday, March 12 at 4 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door.