Through the weekend of March 8-10, the Hampton Bays High School Thespian Society put on a musical production of the classic romantic comedy “Grease.” “Grease” centers around a group of high school students as they explore friendships, romance, and new identities. Two characters, Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, meet one summer and spend their days together in a blossoming relationship. When the school year begins, they come to find out that they attend the same school but are each part of very different cliques.
Grease filled the auditorium with gasps, laughter, and clapping along to its lively setlist. A few cast members even had their own solos. Olivia Allen who played Betty Rizzo entertained the audience while singing “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee”. Nellie Nicolova wowed the crowd as Sandy Dumbrowski singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You” entirely solo while standing in front of closed curtains facing the audience. Sumeja Bytyqi in a shiny, white sequined jacket belted out beautiful high notes as the Teen Angel singing “Beauty School Dropout” while going up steps to end at the top of the set and almost reaching the ceiling. In the end the whole cast came together and sang “You’re the One That I Want” and “We Go Together.” During the last two songs many voices in the crowd could be heard singing along with the cast to these iconic songs.
Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults as well as $2 roses available for anyone to purchase to show support for a cast member. Through all 3 nights, raffle tickets could be bought and placed inside a box of one’s choosing for a chance to win a prize. Prizes consisted of assorted gift baskets and even a record player including a vinyl of the “Grease” soundtrack.
For senior Emily Malone, it was her last performance of her high school career after having participated in every play since her freshman year. Malone played the role of the Pink Lady, Marty. Although Malone had the main role of singing the Act 1 song “Freddy, My Love,” her favorite song in the musical was the Act 2 song “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee Reprise” sung solo by Nellie Nicolova in the role of Sandy. Malone leaves advice for freshmen to “listen to your director and go into rehearsal with an open mind.” Most importantly she would tell future Thespians to remember to just have fun.
Play director Mrs. Perez says she is very proud of the overall performance and appreciates all the support from the community.
