A “Pink Lady’s” View of “Grease”

This report comes from Talon’s Rylee Jones, who plays Marty in the upcoming district-wide musical “Grease.” Read her experiences before and during the process of getting “Grease” on to the stage.

Earlier this year on Jan. 31, theatre students gathered around their living rooms so they wouldn’t miss the premiere of NBC’s Grease Live. After the performance ended, the theatre kids couldn’t help but wish that we would get the chance to do Grease for our musical the next school year. We could’ve never imagined that we actually would get to do Grease, let alone with all four schools in our district.

The news definitely came as a shock for every theatre department in Keller ISD, but all the confusion and worries seemed to melt away as soon as auditions began. There were over one hundred talented kids in one place, the cafeteria of Timber Creek, on audition day. As overwhelming as it was, there was a buzz of excitement as they signed in and got to group up with their audition groups.

Ever since the cast list has been published, the process has been so rewarding. The District Wide Musical was meant to create a huge learning environment and bring all schools together. Throughout this process, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by so many awesome directors in our district, see the stage managers organize and keep us all sane, and watch all of our tech crews create things that one school couldn’t do alone; a two-story set that lights up with a garage that opens and closes, a lighting design and sound cues meant for Broadway, and choreography that even the actors are impressed that they can accomplish.

What has surprised me the most is the family unit that has been created just by working with everyone every day after school and most Saturdays. I had anticipated awkwardness and difficulties with communication with other cast members and tech students, but from the very first read through, we were a family. I knew that there were incredibly talented kids at each school, but getting the chance to work with them and make life time friendships is absolutely priceless.

It definitely has been a learning experience for everyone, but every director, stage manager, actor, and crew member has chipped in to make this show the best it can be and are always willing to be flexible when they have to be and picky when it’s important.

There are no words to describe the feeling of bringing these iconic characters to life. It’s so cool to see each person transform into a T-Bird, a Pink Lady, a cheerleader, or a Rydell student right before your eyes. All it takes is a lot of hair gel and a leather jacket, a red lip and a pink jacket, a teased ponytail and pom-poms; and everyone becomes someone completely different. Each and every person involved in the show has worked so hard to make this show absolutely magical.

As opening night approaches and the costumes are fitted, the mics are tested, and the orchestra tunes their instruments, the excitement grows with every rehearsal. However, each cast member and tech crew member is not looking forward to not seeing our “Grease family” every day. We have spent countless hours after school and on weekends working together and bonding–it’s almost hard to even imagine being apart. Though we started out this process as four separate high schools, for now and forever, we will always be one Rydell.

You do not want to miss this incredible show! Tickets are being sold ONLINE this year at www.kisdgrease.com. You will be able to purchase tickets at the door 10 minutes before the show begins, but you risk the chance that you will get seats toward the back or the chance that tickets will be sold out. Tickets are $10! Grease is double-casted this year, so ask your friends what cast they’re in so you can see them! The cast dates are as follows:

Blue Cast Dates:

Oct 20 @ 7 p.m.

Oct 22 @ 2 p.m.

Oct 23 @ 2 p.m.

Oct 28 @ 7 p.m.

Oct 29 @ 7 p.m. – Mr. Bartlett, our awesome principal, will make a guest appearance at this performance!

Gold Cast Dates:

Oct 21 @ 7 p.m. – Dr. Reid, the KISD superintendent, will make a guest appearance at this performance!

Oct 22 @ 7 p.m.

Oct 27 @ 7 p.m.

Oct 29 @ 2 p.m. – Mr. Bartlett, our awesome principal, will make a guest appearance at this performance!

Oct 30 @ 2 p.m.