What's Up? Magazine

Calling all T-Birds and Pink Ladies, the gangs all here as the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) debuts Grease: The School Version—its rendition of the 1978 musical film performing in Annapolis throughout January. CTA’s upbeat production of Grease: The School Version is full of fun choreography, sing-a-long songs, and lots of energy. “We chose this production because it has great singing and dancing and we though the performers and audiences would like it,” says CTA President Cathy Hollerbach. “The ‘school version’ means that it is appropriate for a school audience, so there’s no swearing!”

The 1950s time period will be portrayed accurately with the 12 to 18 year-old cast sporting cuffed denim jeans, leather jackets, and lots of poodle skirts. Scenes will focus at the fictitious Rydel High School, as well as the drive-in movies, senior prom, and other hip locations. The near two-hour production features an original opening number, “I’m very excited about the opening scene and song of the show, and I think it will be a great introduction to what will follow, but I can’t say more without ruining the surprise,” says director Christy Stouffer.

The cast includes: John LaRussa (Danny), Erin Paxton (Sandy), Mariel White (Rizzo), Jessica Straub (Frenchy), along with more than 20 other members. The family-friendly production is a nice change of pace as the holiday season winds down. “I think the scene ‘Greased Lightning’ will be a showstopper, but really they’re all great!” exclaims Stouffer.

For more information, visit childrenstheaterofannapolis.org or call 410-757-2281.