Grease is the Word

Chloe Horner, as Sandy Dumbrowski, and Cutter Mendenhall, as Danny Zuko (center) rehearse "You're the One That I Want" with the T-Birds, Pink Ladies, and other Rydell High students in Western Albemarle's production of "Grease," opening March 17 2016
Chloe Horner, as Sandy Dumbrowski, and Cutter Mendenhall, as Danny Zuko (center) rehearse “You’re the One That I Want” with the T-Birds, Pink Ladies, and other Rydell High students in Western Albemarle’s production of “Grease,” opening March 17.

Grease Is the Word!

by Will Sigmon

Western Albemarle High School will be performing the Tony-Award-winning musical “Grease” in its auditorium March 17-19.

Directed by drama teacher Caitlin Pitts, the rock ‘n’ roll production is set in 1959, when “good girl” (Sandy Dumbrowski) falls in love with (unbeknownst to her) a rough, tough gang leader (Danny Zuko) of the high school gang called the T-Birds over the summer. Once school begins, though, they and their friends struggle with peer pressure, sex vs love, gang violence and other adolescent issues.

Fans of Western’s productions will be treated to a talented cast including newcomers and veterans. In his Western acting debut, Cutter Mendenhall shows off his dancing, singing and acting chops as Danny. Chloe Horner, a “Silly Girl” from last year’s “Beauty and the Beast,” takes the female lead as Sandy. Freshman Ben Nordbrock plays Danny’s gang lieutenant Kenickie. Ryann Sheehy, who starred as elegant Belle in last year’s “Beauty,” shows her rougher edges as Rizzo.

Adult advance tickets for “Grease” will soon go on sale online and at Western for $12, $14 at the door (student and senior citizen prices are $6 and $8, respectively). Doors for the March 17-19 evening shows open at 6:30 p.m.; curtain is at 7:30 p.m. There is also a 2:00 matinee on Saturday. Please note that, due to cancelled rehearsals resulting from inclement weather, performances may be postponed for snow dates to be announced later.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page at WAHS Drama Presents “Grease.”

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