Grease

Washington Township High School theater students are approaching showtime. In less than a month the Way-Off Broadway Players will bring audiences back to Rydell High.

WTHS’ production of “Grease” will be directed by WTHS theater teacher Mrs. Abigail Molotsky and will include roughly 100 cast members.

The cool and iconic character of Danny Zucko will be played by Frank Marasa, a Way-Off Broadway familiar face. This is the fourth musical Marasa will star in. He has previously performed as Lord Farquad in Shrek the Musical and Lefou in Beauty & the Beast.

“I remember Frank played Lord Farquad in Shrek a couple years back. He had to walk on his knees so he’d look short. It was absolutely hysterical,” said Michelle Teodoro, ’16.

“I’m really excited to play Danny. Not only is he a great character but just really honored to have a lead role for my senior year. This is really going to put a nice ending to my theater experiences,” said Marasa ‘16.

Opposite Marassa’s Danny will be a new face to the Township stage, sophomore Alexa Liss, playing Sandy Olsen. Though this is her first starring role with the Way-Off Broadway Players, Liss has graced the stage several times before, in the chorus shows, senior directed and talent shows.
“I’m only a sophomore and I feel like I’ve done so much already. This is just another experience I’m proud to be a part of,” said Liss. Other principal roles Nicole Bosurgi as Frenchy and Joe Dalbow as Kenickie.

“I am really excited to see it, I know the one on NBC went really well so I have high hopes for Township,” said Gia Monte, ’16.

Because it is such a beloved play, the pressure is on to live up to the expectations of fans. The cast and crew are rising to the challenge. Practices are every day after school except Wednesday’s and run until 5:30. The types of rehearsals vary. There are rehearsals that sometimes only include lead roles and others that include the entire cast.

“Like the other day there was a rehearsal for “Grease Lightenin’” all of the guys had to stay after and practice,” said Nate Aquino ’16 who plays Sonny.

“Sometimes the practices run a little long. Or we’ll have to do an entire scene over and over. It sounds tedious but it’s actually really beneficial in the long run,” said Joe Dalbow who played Kenickie‘16.

This production is Molotsky’s first time directing the WTHS Way-Off Broadway Players. The production will also include a cameo from Joe Bollendorf, first year superintendent and Charlie Doud, president of Washington Township Education Foundation.

WTHS will host three showings of “Grease” on March 10, 11 and 12 in the school’s 11/12 auditorium. Tickets cost $10 each; advanced tickets are available on March 3 in Cafeteria B from 7-8. Regular tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the production.