Performing students of the Valley Central Drama Club slicked back their hair and mastered the Hand Jive as they prepared for their production of Grease, which will be shown at the high school Friday.

Grease is a romantic comedy musical written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, debuting in 1971 at the Eden Theater in Chicago, followed by its Broadway premier in 1972. The production was adapted into a film in 1978, directed by Randal Klesier with the screenplay by Bronté Woodard and adaptation by Allan Carr. The story Jacobs drew inspiration from William Howard Taft High School takes place in 1958 and follows the relationship between greaser Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as they and several other teenagers navigate their lives at Rydell High. The musical explores subjects like peer pressure, social issues, and adulthood while still offering plenty of laughs, dancing, and rock ‘n’ roll songs.

Each year, the drama club chooses a different production to put on, providing its members with new learning opportunities and audiences with diverse entertainment. For Grease, the drama club’s biggest challenge is putting on a show that feels distinctive while still retaining what people love about the source material.

“We know that many audience members will come to see the show expecting what they know from the movie. We have to find a balance of what they will expect and what we want to do our way,” said Derek DeVoe, director of this year’s production. “This is what makes this production so enjoyable. Though the story is the same, the stage version and the film have their differences and we get to put both together in an exciting way.”“

The lead characters have a different challenge. They have to put their own spin on such iconic characters so as not to emulate the film version,” he added.

To fully capture Grease’s aesthetics, the drama club engrossed itself in the 1950s and studied the decade’s dances, clothing, and hairstyles, resulting in authentic set pieces and performances that would awaken the 50s spirit within any baby boomer.

“Doing a piece that is set in a different time period can provide many opportunities to learn about culture and history. The cast members will have to learn dance moves that are from the 50s. They have to dress and do their hair in 50s styles, both of which are very different from today,” DeVoe said.

Danny Zuko, the coolest greaser around town and leader of the Burger Palace Boys, will be played by Junior Tristan Brahm, who considers this the role of a lifetime.

“Being able to play Danny Zuko is a dream come true! The opportunity to sing and act along with some of my closest friends is an experience I’ll never forget,” Brahm said. This show has brought so much joy into my life and I’m so excited to perform on stage!”

Junior Taylor Longo will play Sandy Dumbrowski, a goody-two-shoes student and Zuko’s love interest who recently switched schools. Longo has enjoyed seeing the production process unfold and cannot wait to perform on the big night.

“I am having a great time portraying Sandy and look forward to sharing her character with the audience,” Longo said. My favorite part of being involved in the production of a show is watching all of the pieces come together. It is a thrill to see the written story come to life.”

The show will also feature several students playing various adolescents; they have worked tirelessly to hone their roles and are excited to portray these characters.

“I love how funny my role is and how he always hypes himself up, and the production process is such a fun and amazing journey!” said Senior Greyson Sager, the actor for Sonny, a wisecracking member of the Burger Palace Boys.

“At first I was worried about how I would bring Frenchy to life but soon I connected with the role and the childhood memories I have associated with it,” said Senior Samantha White, the actor for Frenchy, a member of the Pink Ladies. “Valley Central doesn’t skip out on their production process. For us, it’s all in or nothing!”

“I love how this role allows me to interact with a bunch of the other cast members, especially with other senior cast members, as we all share the love for this being one of our last performances on the VC stage,” said Senior Luis Torres, the actor for Roger, another member of the Burger Palace Boys. “I can definitely feel the love for the show from everyone during rehearsals, and while focus takes a while to build, it does eventually come together to form an amazing show for everyone involved.”

Besides DeVoe and the actors, the production’s crew comprises Assistant Director Justin Glodich, Technical Director Gregory Jackson, Choreographers Diane Holbert, and Abbey Doyle, Lighting Technician John Walker, Costume Chair Kimberly Carver, and Sound Technician Eric Guarneri.

DeVoe assured that attendees will have a fantastic time watching Valley Central’s Grease, tapping their toes from the music numbers, and feeling awestruck by this blast from the past.

“The audience should prepare to be transported back to the 1950s. The sets, props, hairstyles, dances, and colorful costumes have such an authentic feel,” DeVoe said. “The energy and vibrancy of each and every performance will have people leaving with a smile while singing the tunes they have come to love. And wait ‘till they see ‘Greased Lightning.’”

Showtimes for Grease will include March 15 at 7 p.m., March 16 at 7 p.m., and March 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets will cost $10 per adult and $8 per student or senior citizen and can be purchased at https://vchsmusical.booktix.net/. The show will be held at Valley Central High School on 1175 Route 17K, Montgomery.