The drama department revs up for Grease

The music and drama departments are collaborating together in a musical for the first time in years for the school’s production of Grease, due be performed in the McAfee from Feb. 5-8.

In the past couple years, the two departments have traded off directing the school’s spring musical, making some students feel less connected to one department or the other.

Drama director Chris Mahle sees this show as an opportunity for both parties to put the past behind them and concentrate on creating a great show together.

“I do believe Grease marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between music and drama at [Saratoga High],” said Mahle.

Auditions were held at the beginning of December over the span of a week and ultimately resulted in the casting of 60 actors. The auditions may have been long, but because less had to be accomplished each day it was a less stressful experience for the actors.

“The kids were so relaxed,” said Mahle. “They gave incredible auditions and made selecting the principle players in the cast extremely difficult.”
Grease was chosen just over a year ago between Mahle and Boitz at the same time that Romeo and Juliet was chosen, “over dinner and Wii games during the holiday break,” said Mahle. The musical will be performed in February, as this was decided to be the most convenient time for both departments.

The two shows of the year were chosen because “both are very popular shows and [are] likely to generate a lot of interest from performers and audiences,” said Mahle.

Grease has two leads, Danny and Sandy, who will be performed by senior Eddie Zhang and junior Maddy Renalds respectively.
“I’m looking forward to many years of incredible musicals with the Visual and Performing Arts Department as we continue to grow the drama program into something extraordinary,” said Mahle.