GREASE: From the Script to the Stage, the Intense Process of Musical Theatre Production
GREASE kicks off with its Opening Night tonight – and we can’t wait!! While tonight’s show is sold out, there are still seats available for the remainder of the run through March 9. > Buy your tickets today!
Whether you're a fan of the classic 1978 film or experiencing the story for the first time, GREASE is an unforgettable tale of 1950s teen romance, iconic rock 'n roll songs, high-energy dance numbers, and memorable characters that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Most people don't realize what goes on behind-the-scenes in preparing for a Broadway production, let alone a high school musical like GREASE. In reality, it's an intense, multifaceted process that involves countless roles, from cast and crew, to lighting designer, costume designer, choreographer, and many others.
The Wiseburn Da Vinci production of GREASE consists of 34 student cast members and 50 student crew members supported by a dedicated team of adult working professionals and educators.
Vocal and dance auditions took place in September, with rehearsals and backstage work taking place 3-4 days per week since mid-October. During this week’s tech week, the cast and crew have been on set every day, led by Diane Feldman, WDV’s Theatrical Arts/Theatre Coordinator. The production also includes a student lighting designer, student sound designer who is also mixing the show, a student stage manager who is calling the show, student assistant stage managers, and two student spotlight operators -- all of whom are gaining valuable technical skills as well as skills in leadership, analytical thinking, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and more.
From Caricatures to Real Life
“Last year we did a production (The Addams Family) with very 'caricaturey' characters. This year, I wanted student performers to have the opportunity and challenge of stepping into the shoes of 'real people.' Especially ones they can relate to since most of the characters in GREASE are high school students,” Feldman shared. “Playing a 'real person' is one of the most challenging things for an actor because they have to find the parallel between their own lives and the lives of the people they are portraying, as well as bring the character to life in a manner that is both authentic and relatable,” she continued.
Feldman knows what she’s talking about. She came to Da Vinci Schools last year as part of a planned expansion of the Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts program that serves all students in grades TK-12. With 30+ years of experience as a theatrical director/musical director, accompanist, and theatre educator who has created and directed several award-winning performing arts programs for elementary, middle, and high schools in Los Angeles and New York, Feldman was charged with starting a brand new theatre program at Da Vinci.
“It’s magical working with students (who mostly have limited performing experience). Theatre is not just about ‘doing theatre’. It’s about helping young people step into their truest selves and embrace who they are. It’s about encouraging them to tap into their own uniquenesses and energies. We don’t approach our process based on who has experience and who doesn’t. We see all students as capable with the potential for professionalism. We don’t divide students between those who can and those who can’t. We start our process and watch everyone evolve,” Feldman continued.
If there’s one big takeaway from watching rehearsals and the stage crew at work, it’s that the adult educators treat students as working professionals which is uncommon at the high school level.
“We treat them like they are in college and in the professional world. At the beginning of the rehearsal process, I give them a 30-page character packet so they can do research and get to know their character and how they are connected to all the other characters. How did the Pink Ladies all meet? When did they meet? How do they know the Burger Palace Boys? They have to know the “why” and the ‘what’s the point of’... That’s essential in storytelling. You have to believe in your story if the audience is going to believe you. If you’re interesting and investing, then the audience is going to be interested and invested,” Feldman continued.
A Dream Come True
For 9th grade Da Vinci Design student Jada Mitchell, performing in GREASE has been a dream come true. Jada attended Wiseburn Middle School where she took drama and choir and served as a theatre teaching assistant, but she never had the opportunity to perform on stage in a play.
Playing Johnni Casino, the student leader of the band at the school dance, Jada performs in “Born to Hand Jive” which she says is especially fun and chaotic (in a good way).
“I’ve gotten so much positive affirmation from Diane, Lindsey and the crew. Getting told my vocals sound beautiful is something that I love. Singing is a whole lot of fun. I’ve realized I’m a very vocal singer and can project my voice loudly. It’s helped me in presentations in my other classes, too” Jada said.
Jada says she plans to do musical theatre every year while at Da Vinci. She says she feels especially connected to the cast and crew, and to Diane, the theatre director.
“I’ve made so many friends from the other (Da Vinci) schools. We’re all really close. Even people you never see yourself talking to, you end up talking with them. You’re paired with just about everybody. I’ve made a lot of friends outside of my grade, too,” Jada shared. “Also, I’ve had a couple of very bad days and Diane has always been able to pick up on it. She checks on me. She’s really good at affirming people and making you feel like you really do belong. This is all just a huge family. I want to do my very best not just for Diane but to show our entire community that we can do top tier shows. I want this program to continue for a very long time.”
It Takes a Village
The production team also includes seasoned musicians (there’s a live pit band!); choreographer Lindsey Rei Bishoff who has 30 years of experience as an actor/singer/dancer and is a former student of Feldman’s; a design and tech team led by working professionals Angelica Alvarez and Will Schneider; costume designer (and choreographer for TK-8 theatre) Calvin Martin; and Tom Hoddard of South Bay Sound and Light who is providing sound and lighting equipment. Shelly Alvarado is in charge of hair and makeup.
Behind the Scenes: Set Design
“We are not utilizing crazy elaborate sets and a gazillion props. We are utilizing simplicity of design so we can focus on the characters and their stories,” Feldman shared.
“Our production is going to look really different from a Broadway production because we are trying to make our own thing,” shared Alvarez, a professional stage management, lighting, and sound consultant who is training the student stage crew on industry standards. “I like to tell my students not to look at the show if they haven’t seen it, so they develop their own “take” on the show.”
Alvarez is especially proud of the Burger Palace set. “The kids really wanted to make it curved. Building curved walls is really hard. There’s a lot of very specific cuts and supports that had to happen, but the fact that they were willing to try it is really great. I want everyone to know that the kids have put really detailed and hard work into the production, and what seems simple is very hard and granular,” she continued.
Lindsey Rei Bishoff, the show’s choreographer, shared: “My role is to create pictures and movement on stage with the cast that support the story and all those in it. I teach them how to move musically and breathe while they sing and dance and act – all at the same time. Diane has introduced more extensive harmonies this year which makes things more complicated for students, but we know what they can achieve when they step into their capabilities.”
Parent volunteer Liz Gutierrez, whose son Danny plays one of the Burger Palace Boys, appreciates the impact theatre has had on her son.
“He’s so excited to do it every single day even though he’s exhausted, but he’s loving it. He shines up there. Who you see on stage is not who you normally see on an everyday basis. He just becomes a different person on stage. He’s an introvert but he doesn’t seem like an introvert on stage. It’s pretty great to see. Theatre has improved his confidence and social skills. He’s made good friends with students from other Da Vinci schools as well," Liz shared.
We couldn't be more proud of the GREASE cast and crew and all of the adults who are supporting this production. As they say in theatre, 'break a leg' (not really)!
GREASE runs through March 9, 2025. Grab your leather jacket and buy your tickets today!
