By LIZZIE LACEY
City Times
“Grease” is the word at San Diego City College from October 27 – November 12.
“Grease,” which premiered on Broadway in 1972, portrays the romantic dilemmas of wholesome Sandy and greaser Danny Zuko.
As the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, they live out their senior year through song and dance, choreographed by co-chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department Alicia Rincon.
The cast of 35 includes 10 San Diego City High School students who are part of a new memorandum of understanding between San Diego City College Visual and Performing Arts Department and San Diego High School Media, Visual and Performing Arts Academy to help make students’ transition to college easier.
The vibrant and colorful costumes designed by Carol Whaley and a set by Duane Gardella take us back to Rydell High, 1959.
The production is an “explosion of energy, joy, and tremendous charm,” according to June Richards, the director and the co-chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. She is assisted by Gregory Oberle, the director of the Theatre Program at San Diego City College.
Erica Soares, who plays spunky Rizzo, has been in several shows at SDCC. She convinced the jock of the family, her younger brother Kevin, to audition for the show with her.
He was cast as lead Danny Zuko. Kevin is currently majoring in business at Point Loma Nazarene University. “Grease” is his theatrical debut.
Sandy is played by Dawn Mitschele, a singer/songwriter who has been performing vocally her entire life. Mitschele began acting when she entered City College last year.
She loves her character’s transition at the end of the show when innocent and sweet Sandy finally lets loose.
“The cast is super fun,” according to Daniel Souza, who plays Kenickie.
They have been rehearsing since the second week of September and Jennifer Prviance, who plays nerdy Jan, is “excited because we’ve worked hard on this and now we get to put it in front of an audience. The energy from the audience is what I love.”
“Grease” will be presented at San Diego City College’s Saville Theatre located at 15th Street and C Street on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. through November 12.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, military and seniors. There is a special rate of $8 for City College staff and students.
For more information contact June Richards at (619) 388-3676.
