'Grease' is the word at Addison Trail

Addison Trail High School will present "Grease," the classic story of adolescence, as its winter musical.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 2 and 3, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the school, 213 N. Lombard Road, Addison.

Set in the 1950s, "Grease" follows the love story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as they and their high school friends deal with the challenges of being a teenager - fitting in, discovering who you are and remembering what's really important is spending time with the ones you care about.

Theater Director Anna Jakubka said she chose this musical in honor of Addison Trail's 50th anniversary this year.

"'Grease' is a perfect fit to celebrate 50 years of Blazer Pride," she said. "It definitely brings you back to your high school days and gets you reminiscing about your alma mater."

Addison Trail senior Sevina Topalska, who plays Betty Rizzo - Rydell High School's rebel and girl with a "reputation" who's dating Kenickie, played by Addison Trail theater newcomer senior Dominic Zumpano, - said she grew up watching "Grease" and is thrilled to bring the well-loved songs, dances and characters to Addison Trail.

"You want to portray everyone's perception of these iconic characters," she said. "Each one has a distinct personality, and it's a fun challenge to portray those traits."

Senior Olivia Czerepko, who plays Sandy, said audience members of all ages will enjoy the show, as the themes and relationships span generations.

"Everyone can relate to at least one of the characters," Czerepko said. "They're almost stereotypical, which is what makes the musical so timeless."

Sophomore Connor White, who plays Danny, said the stage version of "Grease" is different from the movie, and the school looks forward to adding its own artistic flare to the production.

"Those who come to watch the show can expect to feel nostalgic," White said. "They will get to see the aspects of 'Grease' they love, as well as new things they didn't know were in the play."

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 3 to 12, $3 with an Activity Pass and free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, contact (630) 628-3365 or at.theatre88@gmail.com.

A Teacher-Parent Organization Spaghetti Dinner will be served from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday between the two productions. Dinner tickets are $6, $3 for seniors 65 and older and kids ages 3 to 10, and free for younger children. A raffle and silent auction will also be held.

See dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=3212.