Grease on stage

By Melissa Piche Times Contrubutor

Students in Strathmore High School’s Drama 20/30 class are getting ready for their final performance of the 2022/2023 season when they host Grease the Musical from June 2-7.

What makes this production so unique is the fact that there are multiple casts. That means there are roughly 70 actors and 10-15 tech crew members. 

“We actually have five casts this time because there are so many kids in the class, I wanted to give them all an opportunity,” said drama teacher Deanne Bertsch. “It’s so big because it’s such a popular play. Everyone knows the show, so they are pretty excited about the music. It’s a great remembrance of the 50’s. Such wonderful songs, uplifting, fun, hilarious songs and a lot of humour in the script, which is entertaining for the students to participate in.”

Another unique feature with this particular production is one of the main props, a suped up 50’s hot rod replica. Not only is it an amazing prop but it has a history.

“One of my students had a car that was used for a dance performance,” said Bertsch. 

The car they are using has a colourful background, as this is not its first Grease performance. It was used in a current Drama 30 student’s dance performance in Okotoks some years back, and before that in Jubilations Dinner Theatre. 

“We have a live band this time, again featuring Loralee Laycock on piano, several students, and Mike Smith, who is a Grade 6 teacher, is going to be playing guitar,” she said. “We rehearse every day in class and then we do an after-school rehearsal once a week or so.” 

As opening night approaches, they more rehearsals will be added.  

“(Grease is) a little bit off-colour, a little tongue-in-cheek, so be prepared for that,” said Bertsch. “We encourage everyone to come because it’s going to be a good time and the kids are just really excited about it.” 

“We’ve had a couple of rehearsals and it’s starting to pick up a little here,” said Smith. “That pace is going to start picking up here.”  

This will be Smith’s first time performing with the drama students; he has been asked in the past, but the stars just never aligned until now. 

“This is my rookie time.” Smith said. “I am absolutely stoked. These kids have really stepped up.” 

Smith said on top of the songs for the production, the band might throw together some preshow and post-show songs as people are getting seated and leaving. He thinks this “might spruce it up a little bit.”

When he isn’t teaching Grade 6 at Wheatland Elementary School, Smith can be found jamming with his band The Locals who have been playing together for a few years now. 

The performance runs June 2-7, nightly at 7 p.m. and there are matinees at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 403-821-3203 or purchased at the door. Tickets are $10 each.