As the school’s Factory Theatre lights turned down on three performances, the first to an audience of Year 6 students from the local Catholic primary schools, excitement filled the air.

Whilst many of the young audience members weren’t familiar with the 45-year-old history of the musical, they were aware that the performance they were about to see would have some very familiar tunes and faces.

As the lights came up on Rydell High, it was clear that some very hard work had gone into this production; the costumes were immaculate, the band were on beat and the ensemble took us back to a 1950’s schoolyard.

It was easy to forget that this high school production was not a Broadway musical and was evident that Co-Directors, Drama Teacher, Rachel Bartley and Year 10 student, Tom Rodgers had been ‘hopelessly devoted’ to this production.

Rodgers not only co-directed and choreographed the production, but also starred as the handsome chick-magnet, Danny Zuko.

Producer, Gabriella Smith said “the entire cast have been hugely committed from term one auditions, with after school and Saturday rehearsals.

“The students and teachers have worked tirelessly to make this happen.”

It was impossible not to sing along to the familiar tunes that took us on a journey of the senior class of Rydell High with a focus on friendship, teenage romance, acceptance and fulfilling dreams.

The tension between the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds was as high as ever and the non-stop energy and engaging banter from the ensemble provided the audience with non-stop entertainment.

Congratulations to an epic cast and crew.                            

Grease 2016… You’re the one that we want!

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.