West's Production of 'Grease' Features Local Celebs Alongside Students

The idea almost started out as a lark.

Cherry Hill West musical producer Carole Roskoph had talked about the possibility of bringing in local celebs to fill the role of Teen Angel in the high school’s production of Grease this year, but it didn’t crystallize until she spotted American Idol semifinalist Jermaine Jones after an Idol concert in Philadelphia last summer.

“I just walked up to him, and told him, ‘Look, this is what we’re doing at West this year,’” Roskoph said. “He was very gracious and agreed to come out.”

It went much the same with Eagles legend and Cherry Hill resident Vince Papale, who jumped on board after Roskoph cold-called him one afternoon. Also making guest appearances in the role are CBS3 anchor Ukee Washington—who has singing chops as a former member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir’s elite ensemble—and Cantor Jen Cohen of Temple Beth Sholom.

Though they have four Angels lined up, Roskoph said the cast hasn’t stopped trying to find two more to fill in the other shows.

“We are trying to pull in a few more,” she said. “The kids have been fervently tweeting Tony Danza…they have also started tweeting Michael Vick.”

Whether Danza or Vick ever set foot on the stage, a number of the roughly 80 students performing in the show said the experience of working with each other and the four guest stars so far has made the grueling rehearsal schedule—four to five days a week for the better part of the last two months—all worth it.

“Its so much fun to be in the show…we all get to really become a family,” said Emily Calvo, who plays Sandy. “I feel like I’ve learned so much with working with everyone else in the cast, and having the celebrities makes it so much more fun.”

For Ray Horner, who plays Eugene, the show’s practically in his blood—a family favorite, he said he’s seen Grease countless times over the years. It was enough to get him to audition for what’s his first foray into theater in high school, and he said the experience has been memorable.

“I like what we did with the Teen Angels—I think that was unique,” he said. “It’s been a great experience for me…but it’s a lot more work than I expected.”

Performances are Feb. 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 24 and March 2 at 2 p.m. The guest Angels are scheduled for Feb. 22 (Papale), Feb. 24 (Jones), March 2 at 2 p.m. (Washington) and March 2 at 7:30 p.m. (Cohen).

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The last day to get advance tickets is Thursday, when they’ll be on sale at the box office from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Otherwise, the box office opens an hour before each show.