By SUE PASCOE Palisadian-Post Contributor Pure male energy dominated the stage in the ‘Greased Lightning’ scene at a recent rehearsal of ‘Grease’ in the Paul Revere Auditorium. After 14 years of a dark stage at Revere, this is the second year the drama department has mounted a full-scale musical production. Last year the students did an original musical by Jeff Lantos, entitled ‘Carry On,’ about the historic struggle to desegregate public schools. Jaime Wolffe, a former New York literary agent, and current PRIDE music and drama liaison’who last year recognized Lantos’ talent and wanted to see theater back at the middle school’has once again taken the lead in producing this year’s production. Wolffe said that when she saw the kids who participated last year and they asked her what they were doing this year, she felt she couldn’t disappoint them. She added, ‘The momentum was there; the kids really wanted to perform.’ Forty-five seventh and eighth grade students auditioned by singing one song a capella. In order to let as many students as possible participate, the girls’ roles were double cast. Winning the role of Sandy are Heather Mitchell and Lorin Doctor, Rizzo is Amanda Bernard and Christie Pryor. Playing Danny is Tyler DuBovy, and Kenicke is Leo Ritz-Barr. With students in place, and the royalties for the play paid for by PRIDE, a director, choreographer, set crew, and music director were needed. Vanessa Ling, the first-year chorus teacher, stepped up to the production with enthusiasm and expertise. Three instrumental students are adding guitar, bass, and drums and the percussionist is a crossing guard from Marquez. Robert Grossman, who has taught at Revere longer than any other faculty member, is building sets with a crew of sixth grade kids who take stage craft as an after school class. Kristy Rosta, whom many residents might remember from Fancy Feet and who is currently teaching tap at the Santa Monica Dance Studio, is the choreographer and assistant director. The director, Melanie Beck, will graduate from USC with a theater B.A. and musical theater minor the same day the production opens. As she organized the large cast into different scenes, giving notes as she went, she commented ‘Their raw talent, enthusiasm, and capability are inspiring.’ Beck’s own energy has single-handedly pulled the production together, rehearsing with the students for three hours a week for 10 weeks. The general public is invited to this crowd pleaser. Even if you’ve seen ‘Grease’ before, Beck has added a few clever touches like a Nerdette chorus, and actual students acting out the movie behind the drive-in screen. Performances for ‘Grease’ are Friday and Saturday night, May 14 and 15 at 7:30 at the Paul Revere Auditorium at 1450 Allenford Ave. Suggested ticket donations are $10 for general admission and $7 for students, children, and seniors.
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