This fall, the Drama department official revved up for another fall production when the musical Grease took stage.

When asked why she chose Grease Ms. Elliot our drama teacher replied, “It’s been awhile since we’ve done a Rock N Roll type musical.” And what better choice then Grease to bring back a fast paced and energetic feel to the stage?

The production itself isn’t the only thing brimming with energy and excitement, the cast themselves were upbeat and attentive during a rehearsal. According to a “teen”, Daquawn Harris, the production was “fun” and “a great way to meet people.”

But not everything was easy, Jordan Jackson, a senior assistant director, revealed that the rehearsals were fewer in number and held at shorter lengths then usual due to schedule conflicts. Even with an obstacle such as this she further explained that line and song checks held the cast to “higher standards” of dedication to this production.

The underlining excitement for another show was apparent though. When people were asked about what they’re looking forward to they mentioned opening night and seeing everything come together, big dance numbers and the songs themselves.

Annisse Murillo, sophomore, and Manuel Ayala, senior, will play the main characters everyone loved to watch on the big screen, Sandy and Danny. Both students seemed more than ready to get into costume and belt out “You’re the One that I Want.” When asked they explained how they got into theater and how they can relate to their characters.

Annisse loves singing and dancing, and to come out of her comfort zone she saw playing Sandy, a similar girl whose shy and more conserved, a great way to do so.

Manuel jokingly explained how acting is basically  “lying in front of people” and the concept of playing someone else drew him to theater. With a confident and witty demeanor he is the perfect fit for a character Jordan was looking for in auditions, a person who is “funny” and “adds a lighter feel to the storyline.”

Tech directors, Julia Briggs was ecstatic as she laughed and talked joyfully about the musical and design ideas for a set

Overall the contagiously high energy and dedication the students put forth into the production resulted in one of the best shows on Roosevelt’s stage.

After three months of hard practice, long hours and sometimes a strenuous atmosphere the opening night for Grease, Thursday the 29^th went really well according to the assistant director. She was “extremely proud of the cast and crew and couldn’t have asked for a better group of students.”

Courtney Ray, a senior who was the head costume designer believed the best part of opening night had to be “the reactions of the newcomers who have never participated in a main stage production.” The excitement of Opening Night was contagious and carried over to the next day of Grease.

For the first time in Ms. Elliot’s teaching career, besides the production of Footloose, the auditorium, including the balcony, was completely sold out. With such an amazing turnout the house staff and sound directors were slightly overwhelmed, but in a good way.

The bubbles that were added to the song, “Beauty School Drop Out” or the red car with yellow lightning bolts are just examples of how creative the crew was for this production. The new faces in drama, whether freshmen or upper class also showcased the talent Roosevelt has.

The transition of Sandy from a conserved shy girl to a “Pink Lady”, the biting sarcasm from Rizzo, and the humor between T-birds and Danny brought Grease to life. Friday night sold out because of the great and energetic acting, the singing and the innovative set designs all contributed to a popular production.

That contagious enthusiasm from this production’s cast and crew reflected in the theme of Grease; fast-paced, fun and that hopeful bliss.