'Grease' Makes a Comeback at Souhegan This Week!

Souhegan High School’s first performance ever is back 21 years later with a new cast ready for showtime this Thursday.

The musical “Grease” will premiere in the high school’s theater this Thursday, April 4, Friday April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

The 1950’s rock and roll musical was first performed at Souhegan in May, 1993 during its founding year. Co-director Stephen Hodgman lead the this initial production, and is excited to bring it back with a fresh cast.

The first performers came from all around during the founding of this new school. For many this was their very first performance, but some would go on to become professional actors and singers. Many of these alumni have reached out to Hodgman to tell them how much confidence they grew from performing in his theater.

“They all had a blast doing it,” he said. “Theater was the hook for them.”

The musical itself is a callback to a different era, and this performance includes a dedication to another founding member of the Souhegan community. This year’s performances will be in honor of the show’s original choreographer Nancy Ogrodowczk, who died in April, 1994.

Choreography director Amy McGuigan paid homage to Ogrodowczk by replicating her choreography using a VHS tape from the original show. McGuigan went frame-by-frame to ensure bring this departed teacher’s dance steps back into the school’s theater.

Co-director Patricia McMullen said that the students are excited to bring this musical to their stage once again. “Grease” is the most produced high school musical in the United States, and of course everybody knows the songs.

Senior Shauna Sousa is playing the iconic role of Sandy in this year’s performance, and is looking forward to bringing the music and laughter of the show to audiences this week. Many are unaware of the fact that the stage version of “Grease” has many differences from the movie, so it should make for a unique experience.

Sousa said that having a cast of experienced actors will really bring the play to life this year. (A full cast and crew list can be found on Amherst Patch.)

Senior Meghan Bedard, who is taking on the role of Betty Rizzo, agreed that the experience within this year’s performance will make for quit the show. She loves playing a villain, and audiences are in for plenty of attitude from her character.

Ticket prices are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students/Senior Citizens. Visit the Souhegan website if you wish to purchase tickets in advance.