This semester, the stage at Oviedo High School will come alive with leather jackets, poodle skirts, and the rebellious spirit of the 1950s as students prepare to perform the iconic musical, “Grease.” 

Originally debuting on Broadway in 1971 and later becoming a cinematic hit in 1978 starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, “Grease” tells the story of Danny and Sandy — two teens navigating the highs and lows of high school after a summer romance. 

Oviedo’s production promises to revive unforgettable characters, the famous songs, and the vibrant energy that has made “Grease” a cultural icon. 

With over 90 students auditioning, the musical is already shaping up to be one of the school’s biggest events of the year. From the main cast to backstage crews handling costumes, lighting, and sound, the show is a true community effort. More than just a simple school play, “Grease” at Oviedo High is a celebration of student talent, teamwork, and a shared love for the stage.

Junior Lincoln Bryant, vice president of the OHS Thespian Group, who has already taken part in previous plays such as “The Outsiders” and “Beetlejuice,” will have his new role as Nicholas Kenickie in Grease. 

He expressed what he’s most excited about in this new project. “Working with people I’ve had the pleasure of working with before, as well as having the opportunity to meet and work with new people,” Bryant said.

Why do people love this musical so much? Well, the answer is simple: it has it all, making it a perfect candidate for the event of the semester. 

“It’s this love story that’s also got a bunch of depressing parts. It’s got humorous parts, and it all comes together into this grand musical that a lot of people fell in love with,” Bryant said. 

The audition process includes singing, dancing and acting sections allowing participants to show various talents. The process is reviewed by not only the theatre teacher, James Brendlinger, but the choir teacher, Morgan Watts, as well. Participants are evaluated not only as individuals, but as a group. 

 “You have to be very collaborative,” senior Miya Cunningham said, the social media manager of the theatre department. 

Cunningham plays Betty Rizzo in the upcoming production, the gritty leader of the Pink Ladies in the musical, and a fan favorite. Rizzo also engages in a relationship with Kenicke, throughout the musical, a T-Bird. To her, this is the most difficult part of the job. 

“I did something minor last year, but it really wasn’t all that intense,” she said, referring to the romantic role. “I want it to look real, but I’m a very platonic person with the person I’m acting with.” 

When asked what she thought was most similar about herself compared to her classic character, Cunningham described that they both share a similar sense of cynicism.

“I definitely think I’m a little cynical sometimes. I really wish I wasn’t, but I do think I’m a little cynical sometimes, and that’s definitely a big part of her character,” she said. “And I think that’s why I like to think that I’m pretty good at embodying her.”

“Grease” is a classic, but the story isn’t perfect, with some members of the theatre department finding a bit of fault in the ending.

“Danny was humiliating [Sandy] in front of her friends 24/7, and he still got her. I think Sandy just really needed to stand up for herself. So if I could change anything, Sandy would say, ‘No, I’m sorry. I’m focusing on myself, and I don’t need a man,’’ Senior Isabella Castaneda, the house manager, said.

“Should the ending really be that Sandy changes herself for Danny? I think it should have gone both ways—not just her. Danny needed to put in more effort too.” Junior Emma Bremer, who plays the Prep Tones in the musical, said.

Perspective is a big part of the casting process and the vision of a musical as a whole. Ryan Davis, a junior involved in theatre for the past three years, plays Sonny Corleone, the quick-tempered eldest son of Don Vito Corleone, also a member of the T-Birds. From his point of view, this is a fresh start for the theatre department. 

“The new director came in with fresh eyes, and he saw something different than the previous director saw,” said Davis. “There’s a bunch of new cast members that I’ve never worked with before, and I’m excited to build chemistry with them and get to know them on a personal level and just really, you know, build a connection through the show.”

For many, theatre is a way to connect with others and express themselves. 

Davis describes his relationship with his fellow thespians, “we are two different people on and off stage. So even though I might talk to people on the stage and get to know them, if I pass them in the halls, sometimes I won’t even, you know, say hi or anything. Or we’re awkward,” he said. “But the moment we step into the theatre room or into auditions, we become completely different people. We’re very open with each other, and it just feels like it’s a whole different world in there.”

With all the hard work happening within the walls of the auditorium and theatre room, the show is sure to be a hit. 

So grab your poodle skirts and leather jackets and prepare to be stunned with the pure talent and dedication from the cast to the crew, from “Beauty School Dropout” to “Greased Lightnin’” this November.