This year’s production of “Grease” will feature some new stars—Central’s very own teachers and staff. They will be acting as chaperones during the dance scene.
“Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Hiffman, Mrs. Kalafut, Mrs. McCloud, Mr. McGrory, and Ms. Sekura will be acting in the play,” said Yianni Kinnas, junior and cast member.
“The staff members are involved in the supervision of the dance scene, so we kind of play ourselves,” Hall said.
The cast believes that the staff members, who many students are familiar with, act like they would in school.
“A lot of the teachers are people who are well known within the school, and they act the same as they do when we see them every day. My character interacts with Mrs. Kalafut and it’s pretty much the same as if you saw her in real life,” Kinnas said.
The idea behind inviting staff into the production was to give a sense of authenticity and to add an entertaining element to the musical.
“I think the fact that we have actual teachers instead of kids dressed up as adults makes it more believable,” Kinnas said.
“I think this will be a really fun aspect for all the Central students in the audience. Each teacher is given their own special moment onstage and I think these will be funny moments,” said Sara Hansen, junior and cast member.
To prepare for the scene, the staff members have recently started coming to practices, and this has also allowed the cast to interact with the staff in a different environment.
“It’s interesting for students to see the staff in different roles other than in the school. It gives them a little perspective,” Hall said.
Despite having only gone to one rehearsal so far, the staff has adjusted well to their new acting gigs.
“They are in one of the most hectic and chaotic scenes in the show, the prom, but they did really well at rehearsal and they just fit right in with the rest of the cast,” Hansen said.
The staff is very excited about their performances, and hopes that many students, parents, and community members will come see the show.
“There’s a ton to be excited about. It’s going to be awesome. Come and join all the fun,” Hall said.
“Grease” will be playing March 7-9 in the auditorium.