* ABOUT THE MUSICAL *

All the best performers bring to their role something more, something different than what the author put on paper. That’s what makes theatre live. That’s why it persists.” – Stephen Sondheim

I first performed Grease back in 2007 when I was a junior in high school. I remembered seeing the movie as a kid and being completely obsessed, even breaking my Grease tape because I listened to it so much. It may not be Phantom of the Opera in terms of vocal difficulty, and it’s definitely not Hamlet in terms of character depth and language, but it is truly a musical theatre classic that I am proud to have had the opportunity to direct.

More than the show itself, though, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with this incredibly talented group of individuals. When I found out that I had been chosen to direct, I was excited that Grease was going to be the last production I did with SCCT; I’m moving to Arizona in July to start my “big-girl job” and a new life with my loving (and patient) fiance. I auditioned almost 50 young people and with the help of my incredible production staff-Becca, Colleen, Veronica, and Luke-brought together middle school students, high school students, college students, and young professionals in the area to create a dynamic and gifted cast.

Rehearsals were not what you would call organized, but I guarantee that if you ask any one involved, they would tell you that they were fun. This cast has brought their own personalities to classic characters that you all are familiar with; they aren’t just saying the lines and doing the “HandJive”, but rather they are bringing their personalities into every pivot-step and kick-ball-change. I hope you will appreciate how professional they were throughout the entire process and how difficult it is to learn a show like this in just over four weeks.They exceeded every expectation I had of them and learned some of the fastest choreography I’ve ever seen. I could not be prouder of them and all of their hard work. Grease truly is the word. Merde!

RACHAEL J. GIGAR DIRECTOR