Watch and enjoy this video of the finale of Croesyceiliog School’s second night of their six-show production of Grease.
Cool boys and proud dads
If the T-Birds were the coolest boys in Cwmbran last night I’m almost certain was I sat in between two of the proudest dads in Cwmbran.
As I took my seat a few minutes before the show started Jamie Davis’ (Danny) dad Martin was introduced to me and I spotted Iwan White’s (Sonny) parents Chris and Becky directly behind me.
Their beaming smiles after the curtain went down said it all.
One hell of a show
This cast, the musicians in the pit and the backstage team pulled off one hell of a show.
The dedication and effort this lot put in during the last few months (work started in September) came over from the opening scene in the world-famous Rydell High right through to the closing celebration dance of You’re The One That I Want.
It’s fair to say a few parents must have been driven mad with Grease being on permanent loop in their living room DVD player for the last few weeks.
But the attention to detail the cast put in off-stage showed. The comic timing of many of the lines gave us in the audience sudden flashbacks to the film a few seconds before the cast member actually delivered it.
The facial expressions. The eye movements. The pauses. They all came together in a show that had the audience tapping their feet, clapping their hands and at times, singing along thanks to the words on a screen above the stage.
Sandy and Danny
Geri McNamara was a wonderful Sandy who took us all with her on that love-hate-love-hate-love rollercoaster relationship with Danny. Her experience and confidence of her lines showed during Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee (Reprise) when her microphone went on the blip for a few seconds. It made me think did she need that mic to carry that voice? Awesome.
She had the backing of The (super talented) Pink Ladies with Rizzo (Molly Pugh), Frenchy (Holly Clark), Marty (Bethan Mundy) and Jan (Maisie Cook) taking her under their wing.
Jamie Davis pulled off Danny’s tough guy front as he battled with the emotional feelings of falling in love for the first time to perfection. He had the walk, the well-fitted black leather jacket and as he showed in several songs he had some nice moves on his feet as he spun a few dance partners around the floor.
Danny’s T-Bird gang members Kenickie (Jack Fowler), Doody (Harry Brain), Sonny (Iwan White), Roger (Wayne Powell) and Putzie (Liam Rees) all had fun playing the roles of the wannabee tough kids who are actually nice lads.
The rest of the leading roles were filled by Alex Courtney (Patty), Jack Skinner (Eugene), Miss Lynch (Nia Davies), Charlie Sullivan (Cha Cha) and Joe Lilley (Vince Fontaine).
The teachers
Five teachers (Mrs Robinson, Mr Jones, Miss Voisin, Miss Lloyd and Mr Willis) put in a surprise appearance during Beauty School Dropout and it was a split second before the pupils in the audience recognised them. This was probably the biggest laugh of the night.
Check out this tweet by PE teacher Mr Jones.
Be careful with #growthmindset . It can lead to you doing all kinds of things. Yes, that is me! #beautyschooldropout #grease pic.twitter.com/SVLAvIRVsj
— Sweetspot Learning (@MrRAJones) December 12, 2016
An entire school production
A production like this is a team effort and the staff and parents should be proud of the way they worked together. Pupils volunteered to help check tickets on the door, sell refreshments and carry out a bucket collection in memory of former pupil Emily Clarke for Remission Possible.
Around 40 pupils aged from year seven to year 13 took park in the cast with a further 20 pupils running the costumes, lighting and sound all backstage.
The show was produced by Jonathan Willis. Organisers want to give a special thank you to Colliers Haulage for their support.
Tickets for Grease
There are two more public shows left- Wednesday 14 December and Thursday 15 December. Last night was almost certainly a sell-out but give the school a call on 01633 645900 to find out if tickets are still available for those remaining shows.
The cast also put on a show for year 7 pupils and one for feeder primary schools and Crownbridge School.
Tweets about the show
Last night we had parents in character, tonight we have teachers. Why not join us!! WE CHALLENGE YOU TO DRESS THE PART!! @croesyschool pic.twitter.com/oiXbvC9rjR
— CroesyMrsM (@croesyMrsM) December 13, 2016
Tuesday night sold out! @those summer nights #greaseistheword pic.twitter.com/mtp22kQdOP
— CroesyMrsM (@croesyMrsM) December 13, 2016