More than 40 students are participating in Grease, the iconic musical set in a 1950s high school, which opens Thursday, May 18, in King Theatre. It’s a big production for Milton, says performing arts faculty member Eleza Moyer, who is directing the show.
“It’s a classic show,” Eleza says. “A lot of the students have seen the movie, and Grease Live! was on TV in the fall, which brought the show back. It’s a fun time period, with fun costumes. It appeals to a lot of people.”
Because Grease is set in a high school, the students are playing characters their own age, an opportunity not often available in musicals. Faculty member and choreographer Kelli Edwards and assistant choreographer Sophie Clivio (II) are teaching the company classic ‘50s dance routines that will be familiar to any fans of the classic film starring Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.
Eshani Chakrabarti (I) plays Sandy and Spencer Evett (I) plays Danny; the show also stars Nick Govindan (I) as Kenickie, Dorsey Glew (II) as Rizzo, and Cheyenne Porcher (I) as Frenchie. Nick Gistis (I) is the assistant director.
Eshani has been in Milton productions, and has worked with Eleza, since she was in sixth grade. Having the musical in the spring allows freshman to participate—in the fall, the Class IV play takes their time—something Eshani loves.
“It’s a great way to meet people in every class. Some of the best times I’ve had at Milton have been in ensemble roles as a younger student,” she says. “A lot of the Grease cast have been together in shows for years. For the seniors, it’s a great way to end our run at Milton with such a fun show.”
Grease will run Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m.
