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Date: 3/15/2018
CHICOPEE – Dupont Memorial Middle School is hosting two evening performances of “Grease: The School Version” on March 22 and March 23.
Approximately 51 students ranging from ages 11 to 14 will be starring in this years play, along with an additional eight stage crew and lighting crew members. Co-director and vocal, instrumental and theater education teacher at Dupont Cara Canedi explained that “Grease: The School Version” is a show for all ages to attend.
“‘Grease’ has always been a popular show and well received by students and adults. We have a very diverse student population so we look for shows that will fit our students’ varied interests,” Canedi shared. ““Grease: The School Version’ has been edited for content and is appropriate for younger drama club members. It is free of the more risqué content that is present in Grease, the movie version.”
Each of the students that are performing went through a formal audition process, which includes singing, acting and dancing. However, Canedi explained, unlike other drama clubs they do not cut any students.
“If students want to make the commitment to drama club, and follow through with the audition process all will be given a part. Students have the option of selecting a part that they are particularly interested in or would like to be considered for during the audition process,” Canedi said.
Last year Dupont was able to perform their play, “The Wiz” with a live pit band. The school was able to bring back the band again this year to go along with “Grease: The School Version.”
“It’s such a great opportunity for the students to perform with professional musicians playing the accompaniment parts for all the solos and dance numbers,” she said.
Locals interested in seeing the live-performance for themselves should not delay. Canedi explained that acquiring the performance rights for “Grease” is a challenge, and was a two-month process over last summer. The school had to complete a lengthy application, and even if the application is complete, the school could still be denied.
“Fortunately we were awarded the rights to this show and had to hold any advertisement of the show from our staff and students until confirmation was received the second week of September,” Canedi shared.
Appraising the well-known roles of one of the worlds most famed musicals include: Grace Lonczak as Sandy, Denzel Chmiel as Danny, Izabelle Trottier as Marty, Caprice Allen as Jan, Morgan Chouinard as Frenchy, Kayden Krupa as Rizzo, Moises Rodriguez as Kenicke, Gabriel Toussaint as Doody, Dom Pirnie as Sonny, Nathan Barnard as Roger, Ku’ulei Sulham as Patty and Daniel Lonczak as Eugene.
“Grease: The School Version” will take place on March 22 and 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Dupont Memorial Middle School auditorium at 650 Front St. in Chicopee. The tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Concessions will be available and provided by the Dupont National Junior Honor Society.