Cameron Penney
Tonight is the big night for students in Fort Frances High School’s annual musical production.
That’s when the curtain rises on Fort High’s rendition of “Grease,” which runs until Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre.
“I’m a little nervous but it’s all pre-show jitters,” noted Andrew Eldridge, who will be starring as “Danny Zuko.”
“A couple weeks ago I was definitely at the panic stage,” he admitted.
“I was scrambling and reading over my lines just because I was freaking out.
“That was the same with [last year’s musical], ‘The Sound of Music,’ and that turned out awesome,” Eldridge enthused.
Don’t expect this high school musical to be a recreation of the hit 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
“There are more musical numbers and the secondary members of the cast have a little bit more stage time,” explained FFHS musical director Lisa Loney.
For instance, “Grease Lightning,” which originally was sung by Zuko, instead will be sung by “Kenickie” (Cole Turcotte) in Fort High’s production.
“There are more opportunities for other kids to sing solos,” Loney added.
After working together on the production for more than three months, cast members have developed a sense of camaraderie.
“It’s like one big family. Everyone has been working so hard,” said Eldridge.
“Getting up on stage and being able to perform with all my friends is great,” he added.
“I like practising with everyone,” echoed Danielle Hammond, who is a member of the chorus.
“We always have good times and make good memories.
“We’ve done it so much, we could do it blindfolded if we have to,” she joked.
The cast frequently mentioned the comedic elements of the show as something to look forward to.
“There are a lot of really funny moments,” said Anne Jean, who will be portraying “Sandy Drumbowski.”
“[The audience] will have to resist the urge to sing along,” she added.
“I know what to expect and I still laugh when they crack their jokes, and I’ve already heard them over a dozen times,” chuckled Hammond.
Eldridge said he felt comfortable when preparing for the role of Danny Zuko.
“The only challenge was me having to cut my hair,” he quipped.
“It was a little bit longer but we chopped the back off so I am able to slick it back and grease it up.”
When the curtain opens for the first scene tonight, the cast will waste no time getting comfortable on stage.
“I’m a little nervous but I feel like we are ready and its going to be awesome,” enthused Emma Dykstra (“Jan”).
“I’m more excited than I am nervous,” she stressed.
Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors, can be purchased in advance at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts.
They also will be available at the door.
“These kids are awesome,” Loney lauded.
“They put a lot of work into this and [the audience] will not be disappointed,” she pledged.
