Broadneck Students To Perform 'Grease' on Friday

students lead the cast in the ’ production of Grease, premiering Friday night.

More than 30 students ranging in age from 12 to 18 have been rehearsing for Grease: The School Version, a family friendly take on the classic American musical.

Local student actors include John LaRussa as Danny Zuko, Mark Hollerbach as Kenickie. Both LaRussa and Hollerbach are seniors at Broadneck High School. Erin Paxton, a sophomore at Severna Park High School, plays Sandy Dumbrowski, and Mariel White, a sophomore at Broadneck High School, plays Rizzo.

The play is directed by Christy Stouffer with music direction provided by Josh Konick, an alumnus of the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.

Executive Director Kathy Swekel said the cast comes primarily from Anne Arundel County, but there are also students from the surrounding region.

"This is not a dumbed-down, abbreviated show. It's the full-blown thing. It's the equivalent of something you'd pay for on Broadway," Swekel said.

She credited the staff’s professionalism and experience for attracting talented youths.

“We really know how to bring a great group of kids together to work with local professionals,” Swekel said. “We hold them to the same standards as if they were adults in the theatre. We also try to get the kids to grow and expand themselves in that way.”

The play premieres Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and will also be performed throughout the next two weeks. Evening shows are Jan. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee shows are Jan. 7, 8, 14 and 15.

For more information, call 410-757-2281 or visit the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis website.