Hiland High cast overcomes winter weather, will perform Grease beginning March 6
By Dave Mast
March 1, 2010
940
The old saying The show must go on refers to any time a production undergoes some challenges that leave its original plans in the lurch.
The recent snowstorms that canceled school for a large number of days took a big bite out of the time available for the cast and crew of Hiland High Schools musical Grease. But, just like the saying goes, the show will go on... just one week later than director John Harris had originally planned. Harris announced the dates for the show would be moved back one week, and would also accommodate those wishing to go to the Hiland basketball games scheduled during the next two weekends.
The musical will be performed Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 7, at 2:30 p.m.; and Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m. The following weekend, it will be presented Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m.
The blustery weather may have temporarily put a damper on the musical, but Harris said the cast has worked overtime to make sure they are prepared.
The snow and cancellations really did put us behind the eight ball, enough so that we felt like we had to move the musical back one week, said Harris. But the kids have really done a nice job of focusing and things are coming together very well.
The musical, based on the lives of a group of high school teens back in 1959, gave birth to such famous songs as Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Greased Lightning, Youre the One That I Want and, of course, the title track, Grease. The story line follows the lives of Danny Zuko, Sandy Olsson, Rizzo, The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies as they deal with hairdos, high jinks and heartache over one summer of love.
Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors, and are now available at Hiland High School. Preorder tickets by calling during school hours at 330-893-2626.
Were excited because Grease is such a fun, upbeat, fast-paced musical, said Harris. This is the first time Ive done Grease, and the musical numbers and dance routines are spectacular. Its a slightly different version than the Broadway show, but it still is very fast-paced and upbeat, with plenty of well-known songs mixed with some excellent choreography. It really is one of those musicals that keeps people entertained and having a good time throughout. It never slows down.
As always, the show will feature live music from the orchestra pit, and this year, the seasoned staff will be joined by several high school members. Harris said the live music has always added a great deal to the musicals over the years. Were thrilled to be able to include some of our very talented orchestra musicians from the high school ranks. Its always fun when we can combine the two music departments.
