Review of 'Grease' at Immaculate High School

Danbury, CT - The Fine Arts Department at Immaculate High School will present ‘Grease’ this weekend April 26 - 28, 2018 in their large gym. I was honored to be invited to attend the final dress rehearsal along with a Girl Scout Troop and a select number of parents on the evening before the show is scheduled to open. ‘Grease’ has a book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

The Immaculate HS production is under the direction of Matthew Farina, who also devised the outstanding choreography. In his Director’s Note, Mr. Farina gives a brief history of this show and the 1978 film and disputes the contention that ‘Grease’ is sexist. The director writes that he kept in mind, as he developed all of the characters with these high school students, that “all of the characters come to accept realities of themselves and each other.” The program also contains a page listing just some of the differences between the stage and screen versions of ‘Grease.’

The vision of this director was clear throughout the two acts. This production opened very strongly with the characters entering to pose as shadows for the opener “Grease.” The lighting design for this number and all of the ones that followed was noticeably impressive; credit goes to Colby Bellone, Mike Campbell and the director. The choreography for “Summer Night” was great and many young men danced with aplomb for “Greased Lightning.” “Beauty School Dropout” included the entire female ensemble making up the graduating class in matching costumes.

IHS junior Zach Demko took on the role of Danny Zuko; this young performer possesses a strong singing voice and great tumbling/dancing skills. Senior Lauren Garvey returns Sandy to the original brunette and sang wonderfully; Ms. Garvey will attend Colgate University in the fall. Senior Claire Goode, a member of the IHS Concert Choir and the C4Y Diocesan of Bridgeport Choir, was a strong Betty Rizzo and “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” was a highlight.

I did not secure a copy of the program until intermission, so I took notes on a used envelope. When the character of Patty Simcox made her entrance, I recognized Marina Kolitsas immediately; this young actor commits completely to whatever role she plays and this one was no exception. Marina played Golde in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ last year at IHS and has garnered several roles with NewArts in Newtown. Then when Patty joined the ensemble members for the big numbers in the first act, I realized that she stood next to a young woman who resembled her so much that they could be sisters. When I checked my program as soon as I received it, I confirmed that this member of the company was, in fact, freshman Nicole Kolitsas in her first role at IHS. Nicole has taken on the role of Puck in my favorite NewArts show ‘A ROCKIN Midsummer Night’s Dream, and has appeared at 7A, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Ridgefield Playhouse and Sherman Playhouse.

Senior John Finnegan (Perchik in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’) played the car owner Kenickie and junior Emma Baughman (Hodel in ‘Fiddler’) was a statuesque Marty. Junior Matthew Christe played Sonny LaTierri, the student always under the careful watch of Miss Lynch, played by sophomore Elizabeth Varda.

Senior Rebecca Wild was adorable in the role of Jan and Drew Mitchell had an easy stage presence as Roger. A.J. Vitiello sang both on and off key as Doody. Sophomore Gigi Chapleau (outstanding as ‘Yente’ in ‘Fiddler’) was a powerhouse as Frenchy the wannabe beautician and freshman Robert Fontenelli played the geeky Eugene.

Senior Jillian Fredette (Chava last year) was a dancing queen as Cha-Cha Digregorio. Last year she was awarded a scholarship to attend Dance Molinari in NYC at the CT Halo Awards. Senior Steve Santander played older as radio broadcaster Vince Fontaine. Junior James Vigar played Johnny Casino and senior J. Matthew Villanueva sang the role of Teen Angel. Mr. Villanueva will study English as The New School in Manhattan in the fall.

The members of the large company had plenty to do and did it all very well; a good number of the ensemble members had dance training and it showed. Shoutouts to senior Ilona Ludanyl (Fruma Sarah last year, ‘Liberty Smith’ with NewArts) Arianna Shovak (Levi in NewArts’ ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’) and Emilia Getzinger (Assistant to the director of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with NewArts.)

The five musicians sat upon an onstage platform and covered the infectious score very well under the direction of Samantha Murtha. The period perfect costumes were rented from D&B Productions and great wigs by Lauren Sherwood Blank (often seen at Musicals at Richter) completed the look. The lobby outside the gym was completely decorated a la the 50s.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417