Welcome to the singing and dancing world of “Grease,” one of the most successful movie musicals of all time. A wholesome exchange student Sandy Dumbrowksi and a leather-clad Danny have a summer romance, but will it cross over harsh clique lines? Experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s as we bring this story to life on Soo Theatre stage. Grease will be performed live on the Soo Theatre stage from July 12th through the 15th. Let’s feel that ‘Summer Lovin’ with the ultimate classic stage musical.
Soo Theatre’s Artistic Director, Karen Hughes Beacom will be directing “Grease.” Beacom recently directed Soo Youth Theatre’s production of “Lion King Jr.” to record setting crowds and directed last summer’s “Wizard of Oz.” She is excited about producing this one for Soo Theatre.
“I can’t wait to sink my teeth into “Grease,” says Beacom. “It was the first musical I ever did as a freshman in high school. The 50’s music is ridiculously fun and the story depicts many high school personalities you probably came across during your high school days. There is a lot of pressure to do the ‘cool’ thing to fit in and even though the teenagers in the story try to change parts of their personality or appearance to impress each other, I think in the end they finally realize that the best choice was just to be who they really are. By the time they hit graduation, everyone joins together, as themselves, in one of the most fun final songs from a musical ever, “We Go Together!”
Deborah Choszczyk will be the choreographer. Choszczyk is a dance instructor and choreographer from Champion, MI. She and Beacom worked together at Lake Superior State University where they both taught. Retired from LSSU, Choszczyk had created a dance minor and taught dance for many years, including 2009 when Choszczyk choreographed Karen’s staging of “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.”
“Deb is amazing to work with,” continues Beacom. “Her numbers in the revised version of “Charlie Brown” were unique and accessible to all. And they were not simple. Her goal was to make every dance work for all who wanted to partake, no matter the skill level, age, and/or body type. She is a master at telling a story through movement. I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table for this one!”
Auditions for Soo Theatre Project’s “Grease” are Sunday, May 6th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Monday, May 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. If you are auditioning for a lead role please prepare a piece from the show. Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in and be prepared to learn a small dance sequence during the audition time. Auditionees should plan to spend at least one hour at the audition to participate in the group and do their solo.
A solo is not required for those who do not wish to audition for a leading role. A short part of a song can be sung in a group and the director may ask you to sing a few scales with the piano.
Note: “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want” are NOT a part of the stage version. However, you may sing them at auditions. If you do not have a song from the show, we will allow a verse of something else. If you know the character you have in mind, do sing from their role if possible.
Please visit www.sootheatre.org for more information about auditioning under the auditions tab. You will find the descriptions of the characters and the link to the audition form to fill out prior to your audition.
Thursday, May 10, will be saved for any callbacks necessary.
If you are unable to attend the scheduled dates of auditions, please contact musicals.stp@gmail.com to possibly arrange another time. College students who may not be home yet for the summer are encouraged to contact the director to arrange a “Skype” or “Facebook Messenger” audition.
There is so much happening at the Soo Theatre Project and it’s only just begun! Coming this week:
Monday, May 7th at 7:00 pm, STARS Senior Recitals. This recital highlights Soo Theatre & STARS high school seniors Hannah Brood, piano; Sophia Kowalski, violin & piano; Jamie Sheppard, violin & piano; and Griffin Zajkowski, cello. All four of the Soo Theatre’s graduating seniors will play individually, as well as join together to play 5 Dances by Beethoven for Piano Trio. A small reception with cake and punch will follow the performances in the lobby. Soo Theatre’s Senior Recital will be performed on the Historic Soo Theatre Stage. Admission is by donation.
Friday, May 11th at 7:30 pm is the Faculty & Friends Recital featuring STARS and Soo Theatre faculty and staff members Karen Hughes Beacom, piano and voice; Meg Boucher, flute; Dottie Case, violin, viola, and clarinet; Benjamin Gulder, viola; Lola Kennedy, voice; Betty Struble, piano; Maggie Twining, cello and more! This is a chance for students, parents, and community members to hear the faculty and staff of the Soo Theatre Project do their thing. Be sure to come early and listen to the Soo Theatre Flute Choir play for 15-20 minutes prior to the Faculty Recital. Reception to follow. Admission is by donation.
Don’t forget: Summer Camp registration is well under way and you’ll want to register as soon as possible to grab the best rate! Check out our summer camps flyer and descriptions on our website. Registration for summer lessons is also open now. Registration for fall lessons and classes will be coming soon! Watch here or our website for more details.
Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street, SSM 49783 (906) 632-1930, www.sootheatre.org.
Soo Theatre… where there’s something for everyone!
