Around this time last spring, the Southmont High School drama club students were just learning that their planned performance of the musical “Grease,” for which they had been rehearsing for several weeks, would not be taking place due to the pandemic lockdowns.
Now, exactly one year later, the show is finally making its long awaited debut on Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Southmont High School auditorium.
Director Amy Woodall is thrilled for the students. “This last year has been so hard on everyone, and seeing the kids getting back on the stage and getting back to doing what they love — well, it’s just amazing to see,” director Amy Woodall said.
And while Woodall lamented the fact that last year’s seniors will not get to be a part of the performances, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the show at long last. “‘Grease’ is such a fun, fan-favorite show, and I know that the kids can’t wait to share it with a live audience,” she said.
Senior Cassidy Bowlin, who plays sweet, starry-eyed lead Sandy, is excited to take the stage. “The whole cast and crew has been putting in so much work to make this show the absolute best that it could be,” said Bowlin, “and I can’t wait for opening night!”
Co-star and fellow senior Aidan Portwood, who portrays greaser Danny, echoed the sentiment regarding the special nature of the production.
“‘Grease’ is such an amazing show, because it’s all about having fun and growing up,” Portwood said. “For the rest of the seniors and me, it’s the perfect show for our last year of high school, and we’ve worked really hard to make it our best show yet.”
The veteran duo is joined by fellow senior Riley Woodall, who portrays T-bird second-in-command Kenickie. Woodall is looking forward to the opportunity to entertain the community again.
“Putting this show together has been the closest thing to normalcy that a lot of us have experienced in a while,” Woodall said, “and it will be great to share some of that gift of normalcy and fun with the audience.”
Woodall will be aided in that quest by senior classmates Brandon Corp and Toby Casteel, playing his T-Bird buddies, along with Madison and Mallory Murphy representing part of the female counterpart group, The Pink Ladies. Alex Doyle, Cole Endicott, Autumn Felker, Lauren Tricker and Victoria Stephenson will round out the senior contingent of the experienced group.
“This cast is so talented,” said sophomore Alivia Williams, who plays Pink Lady queen Rizzo. “I think the audience is going to be really blown away by the show.”
In addition to Woodall as artistic director, “Grease” is musically directed by Teresa Ross and choreographed by Lisa Kochert Warren. The show is appropriate for all ages and is sponsored by F.C. Tucker West Central, Jessica’s on Main in Ladoga, Cook’s Heating and Air, and The Fountain Trust.
Tickets are reserved, socially-distanced seating only, and may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com under Southmont. All patrons are required to wear masks per school guidelines.
