Published: July 24, 2009 09:38 am      

HCT presents ‘Grease’

Clothing styles, music, and lingo may change over time, but some things never do. In high schools across the country and throughout many generations, teenagers experience the joys and pangs of dating and forming friendships.

“Grease,” a rock ‘n’ roll musical, presents a snapshot of Rydell High School’s spirited class of ’59. The look and sound of this fictional high school may differ somewhat from today’s high school culture, but audiences may find the issues relevant for today.

Hendricks Civic Theatre presents “Grease” on July 24, 25, 26, 31 and Aug. 1 and 2 at Plainfield High School auditorium. The school is at 985 Longfellow Lane in Plainfield. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door and are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors 62 and older and children 18 and younger. Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Avon High School senior Kristin Kellermeyer, who portrays “Sandy” in the show, said she feels a connection with the characters.

“This show portrays the life of teenagers who feel the pressure and need to fit in or to go up against what they feel is right,” she said. “I can relate to the story because it tells of some things I have either gone through or may be going through now.”

Fellow cast member Alex Ripberger, who portrays Sandy’s love interest “Danny,” agrees but says “Grease” is not “just about serious issues that teenagers face.”

“I hope audiences have a good time because there are a lot of fun, upbeat songs and dances in the show,” said Ripberger, an Olivet Nazarene University sophomore.

With the book, music, and lyrics written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, this musical features rollicking songs and nostalgic scenes. According to “Grease” Director and Choreographer Jeff Van Paris, the stage version differs from the popular 1978 movie that featured John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Van Paris said, “What I especially like about the stage show is that it showcases all the characters more. Each character gets to sing or be part of a song that isn’t in the movie.”

HCT’s production of “Grease” features 45 cast members with live band music under the direction of David Turner. It is produced by Jan Van Paris and Deena Conway and assistant directed and choreographed by Alexandria Van Paris.

Cast members are Alex Adair, Vince Braun, Dustin Bowers, Jacob Burris, Grant Callen, Cassidy Capps, Savanna Capps, Audrey Cavanaugh, Tori Champlin, Lexie Conner, Bryce Conway, Adam Decker, Zach Decker, Grace Fillip, Kaci Gardner, Maria Harris, Hannah Jenkins, Ben Jones, Kristin Kellermeyer, Conni Kelley-Schoen, Amanda Kennedy, Lauren Kotarski, Sara Kotarski, Jessica Passehl, Alex Ripberger, Chris Rohrer, Matt Rohrer, Hannah Shelley, Heather Shelley, Kacey Shriner, Colin Smith, Megan Smith, Katy Snyder, Kyle Steinway, Justin Stodghill, Lizzie Teer, Casey Thomas, Kelly Thomas, Rachel Troutman, Dane Van Paris, Claire Waggoner, Tony Waters, Becky Whitcomb, Molly Will, and Kaylee Zusan.

Band members are Justin Burba, Mary Bowman, Amy Hancock, Doug Krantz, Steve Powell, Mark Proctor, and Max Ripberger.

For more information or reservations, call 252-9626 or visit the website at www.HendricksCivic.com.