Grease cast members practice at their first vocal rehearsal. Photos provided
IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City Schools Visual and Performing Arts program is teaming up with Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts to present Grease: The Musical, the timeless 1950s era story that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. This exciting production will take the stage at the ICS Performing Arts Center at Imlay City High School (ICHS) on March 6-7 at 7 p.m., with additional performances on March 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
This collaboration between Imlay City Community Schools and Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts was conceived when Lapeer Community Schools announced plans to refurbish its high school auditorium. Performing arts faculty at both districts saw an opportunity to join forces to allow Lapeer’s students an opportunity to continue to perform while their home stage is under construction.
Lapeer students are participating in Imlay City’s Grease production, while Imlay City students were invited to participate in Lapeer’s production of Matilda, staged this past fall at ICHS. Directors from both programs are working closely together, leveraging their combined knowledge and experience to provide the best possible learning opportunities for their students. This collaboration is made possible through a shared commitment by both districts’ leadership to fostering the performing arts in the greater community.
Rafeal McDaniels, LHS Director of Choirs and Co-Director of Theatre, leads Jared Pratt (Danny) and Sarah Lauwers (Sandy) in a rehearsal of “Summer Nights” from Grease: The Musical.
In addition to the main production of Grease, audiences will enjoy a special pre-show featuring 32 talented 2-5 grade students in a 15-minute performance titled Bobbysox and Blue Jeans. This lively pre-show will showcase vocals and choreography to some of the most iconic songs from the 1950s, setting a nostalgic tone for the evening.
The main production of Grease will feature 84 dedicated students from grades 6-12, representing both Imlay City and Lapeer. The show will bring to life the classic story of the Pink Ladies, the Burger Palace Boys and the iconic high school characters — including Sandy, Danny, Rizzo, Frenchie, Marty, Kenickie and more. Audiences can look forward to all the unforgettable music, dancing and drama that makes Grease one of America’s most enduring high school musicals.
Tickets for Grease are selling fast. Purchase yours today at icfinearts. ludus.com to secure your spot before they sell out. For more information, please contact Rebekah Brewer, Imlay City Schools Visual and Performing Arts coordinator, at [email protected].
Imlay City High School is located at 1001 Norwalk Drive in Imlay City.
Meet the Leads:
• Sandy — Sarah Lauwers, ICHS senior
• Danny — Jared Pratt, ICHS sophomore
• Rizzo — Elliana Ruffner, LHS senior
• Kenickie — Griffyn Fenner, LHS freshman
• Marty — Aubrey Goward, ICHS senior
• Doody — Cameron Verellen, ICHS sophomore
• Jan — Mya Czajkowski, ICHS senior
• Roger — Maddie Awaad, ICHS senior
• Sonny — Rowan Gardner, ICHS freshman
• Frenchie – Kayleigh Patrick, ICHS junior
The Grease Production Team:
• Director — Don Brewer, IC Schools director of theatre choreographer and producer — Rebekah Brewer, IC Schools Performing Arts coordinator, Director of Dance
• Music director — Rafeal McDaniels,
• LHS director of choirs and co-director of theatre director, pit band — Scott Pries, ICHS Director of Bands
• Choreography assistant — Lyniece Fenner,
• LCS band teacher and co-director of Theatre
• Stage manager — Mackenzie Burkholder, ICHS sophomore
• Dance captain — Grace Sample, ICHS junior
• Student assistant for Bobbysox and Blue Jeans — Adelyn Kirsch, ICHS sixth-grade student