Every play has its challenges and Academy Bayshore Players were no different in their production of Grease, the Broadway school version, on October 21-23. The deal breaker was the way in which the cast and crew persevered throughout practices and three performances with one actor on a scooters, necessitating dance doubles and difficult scene changes.

Academy’s rendition of Grease was also successful in ticket sales, attracting more than 400 people on opening night. Perhaps the popularity of the musical and movie brought in the crowds or some came to see “Rizzo” on a scooter. Three weeks before the show, senior Sophia Baldor, who played the role of “Betty Rizzo,” broke her foot. Despite this obstacle, Baldor maintained her role,  navigating on and off the stage with a nifty scooter providing comic relief that went well with her stubborn character.

Katie McCormick came in for the “Hand Jive” providing a perfect dance double for Rizzo. Elise Belluccia playing “Sandy” and Fromie Gonzalez as “Danny” mastered their roles not only vocally, but also looked like their characters to the tee. Junior Amanda Bell, the student coordinator for the play, executed her role as “Marty” ideally along with the stress of making sure all went as planned.

From Jesuit High School,  Jack Maguschak, Ryan Lowman, and Selvester Kwo also participated in the play as “the greasers” .Senior Camilla Golson, as “Jan” joined up with Emily Jeffrey who played “Roger,” a male lead. Senior Jennifer Compton juggled three wigs to execute her role as “Frenchy”, destined for beauty school.

Overall, the show was a great success. Despite stressful moments and obstacles, the cast came together and created a unique version of Grease.