STUDENTS BOND OVER `GREASE'

MALLARD CREEK CAST, CREW LEARNING VALUE OF DEDICATION, HARD WORK

Brian Foster says he didn't know any of the students in the halls at Mallard Creek High until he got involved in the musical "Grease."

Now he's Kenickie, second-in-command of the T-Birds. "Now I know everyone and am known to break out in dance when I see one of the cast members in the hallways," said Foster, a junior, with a wide smile and twisting feet.

Smiling, singing, twisting and turning, Danny (Raymond Bowey), Sandy (Sarah Shetler), the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds light up the stage and fill the auditorium with the song "Summer Nights."

In all, 42 freshmen, sophomores and juniors have worked together for eight weeks to ensure that the school's second play is a hit.

Director of theater arts Aimee Jordan, who is directing the play, thinks this show will be better than the first.

"The majority of the students I have worked with this year have never performed before, and it is exciting to see them grow as performers and young adults," she said.

Focusing, staying in character, and being responsible for lines and choreography, the students learn life lessons through play practice and the play's themes.

"I really enjoy teaching and directing high school theater because it gives the students an opportunity to focus their talents in a positive manner," Jordan said.

Freshman Dustin Mapes, who plays the role of Eugene, said he has always wanted to be in a high school play.

"It is something good to do with my time and keeps me out of trouble," he said.

"I like to socialize with a group of people who are here for the same goal - to make a good play," adds junior Nicholas Hailey, who plays Roger.

"Everyone's grown through this show, pursuing talents each one can do, such as acting, singing and dancing," says the play's stage manager, junior Marissa Gainey, as she looks up from her clipboard where she keeps a list of the day's tasks.

Asked what he got out of being in the show, junior Addison Prophet said: "The thrill of being on stage and having the Maverick community look up to us and be proud."