GREASE
Organized and directed by husband and
the social issues of teenage pregnancy and
wife duo, Joseph and Kathleen Szalay, the
gang violence, and ends on the note of
annual school musical is the source of
lasting friendship. The plot of the musical,
much excitement for the many students
which is set in 1959 at a fictional Chicago
it attracts. The BIS musical provides a
high school, follows the adventures of
fun, social, rewarding commitment so
handsome, cocky, bad boy Danny Zuko
sought after among students. It owes its
and his pretty, blonde girlfriend Sandy
existence to the backing of the school
Olsson, as together they navigate the
community, which has sold out the past
complexities of discovering oneself.
two musicals. Now for a look at last year’s
performance, Grease.
Show History
“It’s All Part of the Process”
As was the case for the previous BIS
musical, Little Shop of Horrors, over 40
The product of a collaboration
students auditioned for roles in Grease for
between writers Jim Jacobs and
a cast of 35. Rehearsals—usually lasting
Warren Casey, Grease premiered
two to three hours, but intensifying as the
on Broadway in 1972. The musical,
production date neared—began almost
whose themes include love, teen-
immediately. Grade 11 student Jillian Fox,
age rebellion and class conflict,
who portrayed the show’s dynamic female
received seven Tony nominations and
lead, Sandy, says, “I practiced the audition
the thunderous applause of worldwide
song and monologue a lot at home, and a
popularity. Today it remains Broadway’s
ton for my family and friends. I’m sure that
15th longest running show, having run
they knew the pieces as well as I by the
3,388 performances by the time it closed
time the auditions came around.”
in 1980.
Nearly all students auditioning go a similar
The hit film version, starring John Travolta
route. But when the casting is being
and Olivia Newton-John, has become the
decided, what catches the casters’ eyes?
highest grossing movie musical ever, since “We look for people who have a spark
22
its 1978 release. The show’s title is derived
of confidence, that air of charisma; a
directly from its setting—America in the
personality that fits a certain role. I can see
1950s—when those who swelled the
the potential in students to depict a certain
country’s working class youth subculture
character, even if they can’t,” explains
were known as “greasers”. Grease tackles
Mr Szalay. He continues, “We select
musicals based on the students we know
members develop higher levels of
we have; if there aren’t the right personalities
confidence, conquer fears and learn to be
for the roles, the show just isn’t feasible.
better performers” throughout the months
We picked Grease last year to build up a
long process. For those kids whose
particular group of guys we had, as well as
interests may not lie in performing,
to build everyone’s dance skills.” That’s
Community Action Service (CAS) hours
one objective accomplished. “I was
serve as an incentive to get involved with
definitely challenged by the dancing,
various backstage opportunities.
Scheduled for Autumn 2014
The Szalays received glowing reports from
The upcoming musical to debut in
because we had to act, sing and dance all
at once,” reflects Fox. “But I think I grew a
lot as a dancer because it was so dance
heavy. I also learned to roll with mistakes
and improvise.”
the cast; Michael Borgers, Grade 10,
supplies eloquent evidence: “[They were]
amazing, awesome, wonderful, best,
superb, magnificent and basically all other
Other students involved gained similar
synonyms that Microsoft Word can come
benefits; Grade 10 student Ché Melo, cast
up with for ‘brilliant’. Both Mr and Mrs
as Danny, still laughs at his experiences
Szalay gave so much of their time… It is
both on and offstage. “My relationship with
really special to have such industry experts
the other cast members grew so much. We
at our side. I look forward to working with
all became really close as we worked
them in the future.” DP student Robby
together for the show,” he says. Mr Szalay
Pintar adds, “[The Szalays] were very
adds that it is his perpetual hope that “cast
helpful in making the process smooth.”
September, Into the Woods, looks promising.
In the words of Mr Szalay, it is “the most
difficult show [the school has] ever
attempted, by far.” Why is this? “We picked
Into the Woods this year specifically to up
the ante vocally.” All of those students,
parents and teachers who have so
generously poured their time and abilities
into producing an excellent show look
forward to yet another warm reception by
the BIS community.
Elissa Filozof, Grade 11 CAS
23