By Duane Ashby
The big problem with high school theatrical productions is the Seniors. (Not us old folks in the audience, the ones on stage). Last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast had a group of talented seniors in it, and then they all graduated and moved on. This year’s production, Grease, has another crop of talented students, many of whom are seniors. We get this one, last, chance to see and hear them perform and then they too will leave for other ventures.
There is a special treat to be had with this year’s production. Joining the musicians in the “pit” this year is the popular local group, “The Cruise Knights”. They are graciously donating their time to play for all of the performances. Their music talent is a treat to hear and lends a special authenticity to the 50’s style for which this play is known.
The ensemble vocal and dance numbers are a pleasure to watch. Everyone does a wonderful job singing and the energy they exude is contagious. You can’t help bobbing your head a little and tapping your toe along with the music as the cast sings and dances their way through the production. Everyone is to be applauded for the hard work they put in to bring Kristi Crisp’s choreography designs to life.
One of the many reasons why I enjoy high school theater productions is because it gives me the opportunity to see budding new talent take its “first steps” in the world of live theater. This year we were introduced to two new young voices. Jackson Russell, (Roger), and Susanne Flores, (Jan), have a fun duet together as they sing, “Mooning”. Jackson is a good singer, but I was especially impressed with Susanne’s voice and the blend they had together.
The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds have several numbers throughout the performance and they all sounded great. Regina Quiroz, does a good job portraying the saucy Marty in the “Pajama Party” scene. Hayden McClain, (Kenickie), and the T-Birds really get things moving with their song, “Greased Lightnin’”.
It appears that penguin farming did not work out for Robert Nunez, but in my opinion, that’s all for the good. That gives us the opportunity to see Robert play the part of Doody. It is hard for me to say I have a favorite song from the play because I like them all, but I really enjoyed hearing Robert sing “Those Magic Changes”.
The mark of a good actor, is the ability to portray an assigned character. But a really good performer can convince you even when you remember them in a previous role. Who would believe that a tea cup could become so “worldly”. Lyndsie Russell, was Chip in last year’s production but now has completely taken hold of the role of the hard-hitting, (but personable), Rizzo and brought the character to life.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the good performances given by Daniel Perez, (Eugene, “nerd”), Mimi Lee, (Patty, cheerleader), Tristan Calderon, (Vince Fontaine), Dustin Little Turtle, (Johnny Casino), and Becca Suggs, (Mrs. Lynch), all of whom bring their own special flavor to the show. Grace Everton makes her second appearance in a major SPHS production, this time in the roll of Teen Angel. I must say she was the perfect choice for that role. Her enchanting voice is delightful to hear as she sings throughout the show. Her solos are wonderful and her duet, “Raining on Prom Night”, with Sandy, (Eleanor Stephenson), is quite touching.
Eleanor Stephenson, wow. That’s it, “Wow”. I was absolutely impressed with everything about her from the very first note to her very last dance. Then I found out that she is a freshman this year. Are you kidding me? If this performance is a portent of things to come, then Santa Paula is in for three more years of wonderful theatrical presentations.
And finally there was Josh Valencia. You may remember Josh’s performance last year as Gaston, (“...especially good at expec-tor-ating”). Well he’s back. This time he steps into the role of Danny Zuko, and takes us all on an entertaining ride through “Summer Nights” all the way to “You’re The One That I Want”. He brings a charm and grace to the stage throughout the entire performance. Oh, and did I mention he is a great singer too?
The play is being performed at the Santa Paula High School Freeman Eakin Auditorium, at 404 N. 6th St. in Santa Paula. Performances will be Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm through March 24th. Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 Students and Seniors.
