Schools

North Farmington Goes Back to the 50s with 'Grease'

The show opens March 21 with a cast, crew and pit of nearly 100 students.

"Greased lightning" rolls on to stage at North Farmington High when the school's production of the classic rock-and-roll musical "Grease" opens March 21.

With a cast of 74 actors, 20 musicians in the pit orchestra and even more students involved behind the scenes, there are close to 100 students involved in the show, according to Sue Cobb, who is co-directing the show with her husband, Dean Cobb. Vocal director Dr. Sheri Jaffurs, assistant director/choreographer Samantha Feldman and orchestra director Joel Schut round out the production team. 

Sue Cobb said the show "spreads the wealth" with plenty of major roles. 

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"It's a nice vehicle for a lot of roles," she added. "There are really nice choral numbers and dance, plus it's a lot of fun."

Students involved in the show say getting into character has meant learning a lot about the 1950s, the time in which the show is set. During the rehearsal process, they enjoyed a dinner of "sliders" and milk shakes, and learned the popular dances of that time. 

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Senior Molly Weiss, who plays "Frenchy", says there are similarities between the actors and their characters, who are all high school students, although "stuff that we do now wasn't allowed back then." 

"They were kind of more in the moment," said junior Natalie Porretta, who plays "Rizzo". "Not everybody went to college back then." 

"They played by a different set of rules," senior Jacob Rollinger added. 

While the stage show may vary a bit from the movie, audiences can expect the full "Grease" experience – including the transformation of a rusty old vehicle into a lean, mean racing machine. 

Performances are in the North Farmington auditorium March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors. Call the box office at 248-426-5202 or purchase tickets at the door. 

Senior residents holding a Farmington Public Schools Senior Card can receive one free ticket. To obtain a card, visit the office of School and Community Relations, 32500 Shiawassee, or call 248-489-3349.


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