Published March 4, 2025
BY DANIELA FOLEY
Featuring poodle skirts, hairspray and saddle shoes, “Grease,” the musical based on the sparked summer romance of two teenagers in the 1950s, will be brought to life on stage March 21 by the Carmel High School drama department.
Directed by Jeff McGrath, the manager of all theater-related responsibilities, who has decades of experience directing, “Grease” is expected to demonstrate the dedication put in by students, as they fill in roles on and off stage, whether it be by belting “Grease Lightning,” perfecting partner lifts or serving as a stage manager.
“I’m excited to see what these kids can do with the music and choreography,” says McGrath. “They have dedicated so much time to bringing these characters to life. These iconic characters are etched in the memory of every American.”
Sophomore Radler Pinkerton (center) dances during the Visual and Performing Arts show where the musical ‘Grease’ was previewed. (photo by AVA CASSADY)
The two leads, Sandy and Danny, whose love story the audience follows as the musical continues, will be portrayed by junior Averil Mabry and senior Zachary Rasmussen, respectively, in Carmel High’s rendition of the iconic show. For Mabry in particular, the ability for the cast to put in the necessary effort and work together is key and is a skill she has seen grow over the course of rehearsals.
“It’s really important to be connected with the cast,” says Mabry. “We need to be communicative, so it’s important that we really show up for ‘Grease’ every day. The more connected we are, the better the choreography will look and the better the vocals will sound.”
Rasmussen, who has been involved in the performing arts his entire life, has focused on supporting the cast by serving as the vocal director, fine-tuning notes and running rehearsals of the classic musical theater style songs such as “Summer Nights” and “We Go Together.”
“Being the vocal director, I have been able to make a much more direct impact in supporting my castmates,” says Rasmussen. “Rather than simply focusing on what I can do to improve, I can extend that to the whole cast.”
With a typical week consisting of around 14 hours of rehearsal, the cast of “Grease” has all individually dedicated themselves to making the show come to life and using their time efficiently.
The two dance captains, sophomore Isabella Moet and senior Lillian Mendez, are not only responsible for their own roles, but also mastering the choreography, running rehearsals and advising the cast on ways to perfect their dancing. Featuring multiple dance numbers, “Grease” brings this era of dance to life through the addition of swing dancing, lifts and the classic hand-jive.
Grease, the 2025 CHS spring musical, previewed “We Go Together” at the Visual and Performing Arts show in January. (photo by AVA CASSADY)
“It’s all about balance when you’re working on a show,” says Mendez, who plays Betty Rizzo, one of the show’s leads. “I’m not just an actor in this production, but a means of communication between VAPA teachers, a choreographer, a leader and a teacher. I have been trying to find where I stand as a friend and as a ‘director’ of sorts to the cast.”
Continuing the trend of casting understudies, who will have their own show March 23 at 2 p.m., being able to have enough rehearsal time and support for them is crucial.
“The biggest way that we support each other is specifically between the understudies and the main cast,” says Moet, who plays Marty. “Going over blocking, giving them time and teaching them has been crucial in making this show successful.”
“Grease” will have its first performance at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the CHS performing arts center. Tickets will be available at the entrance prior to each show.
