It’s Electrifying!
View(s):- Elizabeth Moir School presents GREASE SCHOOL EDITION
Pix by Tai Hsin
With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, GREASE SCHOOL EDITION offers all the fun and frolic of the original, while removing references to some of the show’s more mature themes, making it an ideal watch for audiences of all ages. The show was a natural choice for the school which has garnered high praise for its productions of West Side Story School Edition, Witness for the Prosecution and Singin’ in the Rain JR.
The young cast members of GREASE SCHOOL EDITION were keen to share what it is like to bring such iconic characters to life. Rishika Senevirathne who takes on the role of Sandy said “Living and breathing Sandy Dumbrowski is an adventure. She seems like the usual sweet and gentle new girl who wants to fit in, but when she reveals her confident and headstrong personality, it’s impossible not to get thrilled in the moment for her and for mysel.”
Charvi Vaidyakularatne, who shares the role of Jan with Ayari De Silva, recalled her personal connection to the show: “I absolutely love the musical and have many fond memories of listening to “Summer Nights” on repeat when I was younger. Being a part of these iconic scenes is so special to me…Each character is unique and has special traits that make them the characters we know and love…”
While the music is certainly timeless in its appeal, one does wonder whether the themes still feel relevant to young performers in the 21st century. Savith Wijesundara, who plays Sonny, was quick to clarify: “Though Grease is set almost seventy years in the past, its themes are universal and are relatable even to teenagers in the present, especially given the defiant mood the characters create.” Amaya Wijayawardana (Rizzo) agrees: ‘Grease inspires many teenagers today, including myself, to express themselves with more confidence and not be afraid to display who they are.’ ‘I think the biggest charm of Grease is the fact that it’s centred around the experiences of youth’ says Chanduli Rubasinghe (Mrs Lynch) ‘It’s about the rebellious, romantic, fool-hardly nature of teenagers, and the sense of wanting to fit in that I think all of us have felt at some point in our lives.”
In the Director’s chair for this vibrant production is the founding Artistic Director of Theatre Junction, Anushka Senanayake. Having gained directing, assistant directing and performance experience in the USA, Europe and Sri Lanka, Anushka’s more recent project in Sri Lanka was “Guards at the Taj” by Rajiv Joseph. Speaking about her experience with GREASE SCHOOL EDITION, Anushka says: “Directing such an iconic show presents a thrilling challenge. It’s tricky when the audience already has a strong emotional attachment to how these characters have been portrayed in the past. While we have drawn inspiration from these well-loved performances, questions of identity, inclusion, rebellion and peer-pressure have shaped how we will bring the world of GREASE to life. The cast has been an absolute joy to work with and together, we have discovered themes and characters that are as relevant today as they were years ago.”
Stepping in as Music Director for the show is composer extraordinaire Natasha Senanayake. A music director, choral director, and conductor, Natasha has served as Music Director of many productions, including Cinderella, Next To Normal and The Last Five Years. Taking the reins in terms of choreography is Ayushka Nugaliyadda. With a background in classical ballet, tap dance, contemporary dance, street jazz and musical theatre, Ayushka has served as performer and choreographer for several notable amateur musical theatre productions and previews.
With the show less than a week away, the excitement among the young, energetic cast is palpable; and while the challenges of this demanding production are on their minds, it is the joy and camaraderie of the experience that has left the strongest impression. Tae Hyun Won (Danny) seems to speak for all of them when he says: ‘It is an amazing experience to overcome these challenges with the other cast members together, as we have learned so much and made unforgettable memories’.
GREASE SCHOOL EDITION goes on the boards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from November 11-12. Tickets are now available at Elizabeth Moir Senior School, 4/20, Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 05.
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