Our Crusader Community Theater’s Sping Musical this year is Grease! Students auditioned for the show the first week back from Christmas break, preparing monologues and cuts from songs. At callbacks, they read sides and sang some of Grease’s classic songs. The cast list was released later that week and is as follows:
Sandy- Sophia Perez
Danny- Charlie Gusmano
Rizzo- Tessa O’Sullivan
Jan- Lily Monteiro
Frenchy- Riley Gorman
Kenickie- Sebastian Tineo
Doodie- Sogeair Pierre-Gilles
Roger- Grace Favole
Sonny- Ella Goodrich
Patty- Cameron Pepin
Cha Cha- Valentina Sharoubim
Eugene- Victoria Miquel
Vince Fontaine- Blake Quilleon
Johnny Casino- Elias Azzi
Teen Angel- Izzy Herlong
Mrs. Lynch- Elizabeth Allaga
Radio Voice- Antonella Morel
Ensemble- Belleky Bazile, Brianna Christensen, Cameron Lencheski, Gabriella Salandy, Genevieve Beswick, Graciela Gonzales-Sanchez, Lyla Perry, Rose O’Hara, Samantha Figueroa, Veronica Espinal
The week following the announcement of the cast, Grease’s crew met with Mr. Williams to discuss future plans for the show, including costumes, set, lighting, props, and more. For instance, Head of Costumes (Iliana Palumbo), has stated, “I’m really excited to be able to create my own costumes based on the time period, and to do a bunch of (probably unnecessary) research.”
Our cast has been hard at work learning and practicing choreography to songs like “Summer Nights,” “Freddy, My Love,” and “Greased Lightnin’.” With our student choreographers (Lily Monteiro and Grace Favole) and our dance captain (Brianna Christensen) our rehearsals are as productive as ever, with the cast picking up dances swiftly. Thanks to this dedicated trio, Grease’s dance numbers have been exhilarating for our cast and full of 50s-accurate moves. Our Sandy (Sophia Perez) has praised our choreo rehearsals, “Everything goes smoothly as everyone is attentive and eager to learn. The leaders of each rehearsal are also understanding and make sure that everyone understands the choreo fully! It is so thrilling to learn new choreography every time and I can’t wait for more!” and our Danny (Charlie Gusmano) has stated, “This production has had some of the most productive and efficient rehearsals I have ever been a part of, both inside and outside of school. Our ability to work hard while having fun is what is going to set this show apart from anything that’s ever been seen before at CNHS.” We have also begun to learn the songs in Grease, and Ms. Rehner, the chorus director, has been instructing music rehearsals.
Everyone is looking forward to continuing our rehearsals and tech meetings. Our cast cannot wait to continue learning our dances and music, and to begin blocking the other scenes. Our crew is excited to begin building and painting the set, creating props and costumes, and preparing our sound and lighting.
Come support Cardinal Newman’s drama department and see Grease April 11-13!
