GREASE School Edition: M.E. LaZerte

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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Grease is the Word

By Arjun Varma Balaraju

Aurora Charter School

There is a special kind of confidence in a school production that knows how to fill a stage, even

when that stage is being held together by nothing but talent, adrenaline, and pure chaos. M.E. LaZerte Theatre’s Grease: School Edition was exactly that kind of show on Friday night. It was loud, messy in the best way possible, and honestly, a lot more fun than you would expect from a school play.

The school edition of Grease cuts the original into something more accessible without losing the spirit of the piece. Set at Rydell High, the story follows Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as their summer romance collides with the social pressures of high school, where the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies shape everything from reputation to identity. What made this production work was that it understood the show is not just about nostalgia, but about momentum. From the costuming to the choreography, the production consistently committed to its 1950s world and made that world feel alive.

The strongest part of the night was the cast’s energy. Maddie Den Otter’s Sandy brought real emotional weight to the role, especially in Act 2, where her performance gave the show a much-needed surge of sincerity and also goosebumps. . The ensemble numbers had a great rhythm, and the cast made sure the audience stayed hooked through the whole thing. Even the small background moments had people laughing, which is always a good sign. The

choreography was sharp and crisp, the stage picture was clear, and the cast seemed fully aware of how to make even familiar material feel fun again! There was also a strong rhythm

throughout the production, with smaller unhinged moments and reactions often getting some of the biggest audience responses.

The technical work deserved just as much attention. The real car on stage was an immediate crowd-pleaser, but what made it work was that it never felt like a gimmick; it fit into the production’s larger sense of ambition. The set and prop work, especially in spaces like the Burger Palace and the bleacher scenes, showed a level of detail that made the world feel detailed. Lighting also helped shape the show’s tone scene by scene, supporting both the bigger musical numbers and the quieter emotional beats.

With a show this big and a cast this large, there is always a lot happening at once, and it’s clear the team put everything they had into every scene. It’s impressive to see how they managed such a massive production and kept the momentum going from start to finish.

Ultimately, Grease: School Edition was the kind of show that reminds you how much can be

achieved when a cast and crew commit fully to the material. It was energetic, crowd-pleasing, and strong enough to feel bigger than a typical school production. For anyone who loves live theatre, classic musicals, or simply watching young artists rise to the scale of the work in front of them, this was an easy one to enjoy.

“Hopelessly Devoted” to This Show!

By Laina Gold

McNally High School

With phenomenal costumes accurate to the time period, and an unbelievably unified ensemble, M.E. LaZerte High

School’s rendition of GREASE: School Edition is a commendable production. The combination of precise vocals, an excellently built set, and coordinated student-led choreography creates an illustration of dedication and passion to theatre.

As an adaptation of the original Broadway musical written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, GREASE: School Edition is set in 1951 and follows the lives of two seniors at Rydell High, Sandy and Danny The show deals with the struggles of highschool, cliques and teenage love.

The first thing I noticed about this production was the choreography. Led by Kaliandra Tait and assistants Cassandra Irmen, Kahlan Tosczak, and Raiana Shakespeare, the musical numbers consisted of balanced, cohesive choreography. It matched the storyline perfectly and was a wonderful addition to plot advancement. The team of choreographers did an excellent job of creating and teaching the choreography to the cast. They should give

themselves a massive round of applause for the amazing work they’ve done.

Another thing I took note of — and I’m sure everyone else in the theatre did as well — were the impeccable vocals. In particular, Sandy (played by Maddie Den Otter) had especially mesmerizing vocals. Den Otter also took on the role of lead vocal coach and totally aced it. Her vocals were absolutely captivating. She spoke of how her solo song “Hopelessly Devoted to You” gave her some anxiety regarding how the audience would perceive her rendition of

the tune and if she was doing the original justice. But let me tell you, it was phenomenal. It definitely had me in a trance. Not only were her vocals amazing, her characterization was on-point. You truly believed she was Sandy. Her physicality and tone pulled her character together extremely well. She has an undeniable gift, and should never stop doing what she’s doing.

The set was also a very impressive part of the show. The bleachers they designed and made were perfect in adding depth and levels to the scenes. The arches were also a great addition. The way the technicians designed the pieces allowed for versatility within the show. And of course, you can’t forget the famous Greased Lightnin’! However it wasn't just a prop, it was a real car.. With help from the autobody students, the technicians were able to produce a beautiful work of art. They had to make sure the vehicle was safe before handing it over to the cast. This consisted of removing the engine, smoothing any sharp edges and adding a plywood platform for the actors to sit on. This difficult task truly paid off and looked amazing on stage.

Overall, M.E. LaZerte’s production of GREASE is not one to forget. With extreme dedication and passion towards their craft, the cast was able to produce something very deserving of praise, and whose tunes will be stuck in your head long after the curtain closes.

Hopelessly Devoted To...This Show

By Kornelia Teresinska

Oscar Romero Catholic High School

As the curtain opened and Ms.Lynch invited the audience to sit back, the cast of Grease Jr. quickly transformed the theatre, taking the audience back in time into the vibrant world of 1950’s Rydell High. Slicked back hair, swirling skirts, and bold personalities collided in a high-energy revival of the decades youth culture, instantly pulling the audience into a world where image is everything and every choice you make carries weight.

Grease Jr. is a modified, family-friendly adaptation of the original 1971 musical written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It follows Sandy Dumbrowski, a soft-spoken, goody- two shoes newcomer, and Danny Zuko, a confident greaser who puts on a player like persona, as they attempt to reconcile their summer romance with the expectations of their cliques within high school life. Beneath its catchy songs and playful humor, the story explores identity, peer pressure and the tension between authenticity and appearance, all wrapped in a vibrant, 1950’s nostalgic setting.

At the heart of the production, Maddie Den Otter’s portrayal of Sandy brought a sense of sincerity and emotional depth that grounded the show. Her performance in “Hopelessly Devoted to You” stood out as one of the production’s most powerful moments, as her clear, controlled vocals captured both vulnerability and strength. With a strong sense of control and intention, she shaped Sandy into a character that felt both relatable and compelling to watch. In contrast, the Pink Ladies: Kaliandra Tait (Rizzo), Kahlan Tosczak (Jan), Cassandra Irmen (Frenchy) and Zyriah Cooper (Marty), burst into the stage with immediate confidence and attitude, commanding attention in every scene they entered. Their chemistry was effortless, balancing sharp comedic timing with strong unified performances. In “Freddy, My Love”, their energy remained especially engaging; even in a slower number, their enjoyment was clearly visible, bringing a sense of authenticity to the performance. Their expressive vocals paired with lively character work, allows each performer's personality to shine through. Together, they brought a dynamic presence to the production, elevating both the humour and the overall energy of the show.

Technically, the production matched its performances with equally ambitious design choices. With over one hundred costumes, each tailored to reflect individual characters, the stage becomes a constantly shifting display of colour and personality. One of the most striking elements was the inclusion of a real car on stage, painted by students, which grounded the production in a sense of realism while also showcasing the creativity behind the scenes. These details, though easy to overlook, played a crucial role in building a believable and immersive environment.

What made the production stand out was its emphasis on character driven performances and emotional sincerity, allowing the story to resonate in a meaningful way. From the opening moments to the final bow, the cast maintained a strong sense of commitment, keeping the audience engaged throughout. By the end, the world of Rydell High felt fully realized, leaving a lasting impression that extended beyond the stage.

When You’re True to Yourself, You Find Yourself: M.E. LaZerte’s Grease

By Morgan Pollock

McNally High School

Between its rich harmonies, complex choreography, and expressive characterization, M.E. LaZerte’s

Grease showcased the commitment and dedication of its students while exploring themes of growing up

and coming to terms with identity. The result was a truly unforgettable show, which left audience members laughing and humming long after the final curtain fell.

Grease is a classic musical, written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey in 1971 and best known for the 1978 movie adaptation, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. It follows Sandy, a high school student who is struggling with identity and belonging as she navigates teenage life and the pressures that come with it. As a whole, the musical explores societal expectation, and offers a look at how young people shape themselves to fit in.

A truly outstanding element of this production was its ambitious and unique sets. Designed by a team of just 5 students, each and every piece was detailed and thoughtful, effectively capturing the 1950s aesthetic. In particular, the checkerboard pattern in the diner set truly reinforced the retro atmosphere. The scale and complexity of each set allowed the actors onstage to fully immerse themselves in the world of Grease. In addition, the use of lighting in order to isolate specific scenes was both playful and effective, drawing the audience’s attention in unexpected ways.

Every single actor onstage captured the energy of their characters with so much enthusiasm and passion. From the cheerleaders to the greasers to the pink ladies, the entire cast brought so much joy and talent to the stage, and their efforts deserve immense praise. Whether it be gossip sessions, sleepover drama, or the drive-in catastrophe, the scenes were light and humorous, and were perfectly portrayed and comically delivered by everyone onstage. Their chemistry within the show was particularly notable, and showed in the way they interacted onstage, feeding off one another's energy and creating a sense of genuine intimacy and connection with their audience. Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Maddie Den Otter, was a true standout. Her impeccable vocals in combination with her

physical comedy resulted in a performance that was both memorable and endearing, giving the audience a character to root for until the end.

Finally, an unforgettable aspect of the show was its detailed and period-accurate costumes. From poodle skirts to leather jackets to carefully chosen accessories, absolutely everything was taken into consideration, resulting in characters that were vibrant and significantly enhanced the overall effect of the play. A small team of just 5 students was responsible for creating over 100 of these magnificent costumes, demonstrating their impressive attention to detail.

Grease - M.E LaZerte High School

By Abby Solomon

Archbishop MacDonald Catholic High School

M.E. LaZerte High School’s production of Grease was an energetic performance that reflected the hard

work and talent of its student cast and backstage crew. From the opening ensemble performances to the

final moments, the show captured the spirit and vocals of the 50s with enthusiastic student-led choreography.

One of the most impressive aspects of the production was the vocal strength of the cast. Mitchell Patterson playing the role of Kenickie demonstrated amazing vocal mimicry from the 1950s, with a tangy old Hollywood drawl performed with confidence all throughout the play, especially illustrated in his performance of Greased Lightnin’. The rest of the cast also successfully balanced singing with acting, bringing out their own personalities in lieu with their characters, particularly with ‘The Pink Ladies’ where their harmonies and stage presence created a lively atmosphere where many young audiences can relate too.

The choreography was another highlight. Dance sequences were well-rehearsed and synchronized, and on top of that student - led! With the excitement and authenticity to the show, many performances were amazing, showing the hours put forward to practice, with the cast’s ability to work together amazingly portrayed. While there were occasional moments that felt slightly awkward or less polished, these did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the performance. The costumes and set design also effectively took the audience into the world of Grease. The use of bright colors, the classic 1950s fashion

with slicked hair and long skirts helped distinguish characters and added visual appeal. The attention to detail in outfits, particularly Sandy’s dress changes with a surprising poodle detail was an amazing contribution to the storytelling.

Another stand out character from this show was Eugene. His character played by Jacob Lyman, convincingly embodies the character’s awkward and nerdy personality. Yet, his portrayal goes beyond his mannerisms, as Eugene's awkwardness had amazing comedic timing with the pacing of the scenes and the comical physicality of the role. Through subtle gestures and timing he brought a natural humor to Eugene's character that felt authentic instead of forced. His interactions with characters like Cha-Cha Degrogrio, played by Nixon Trotman-Smith, during the prom night scene was hilarious! His discomfort

contrasts effectively with their more confident or dominant personalities, with the dynamic not only adding to the show, yet also developing Eugene as a memorable and engaging character within the production with a sweet romantic scene at the end.

However, there were a few technical challenges, such as microphone issues that made it difficult to hear certain lines clearly. However, the cast handled these moments professionally and continued performing without losing focus. This demonstrated their preparedness and ability to adapt under pressure.

From its 50’s teen vibes and amazing character developments, M.E. LaZerte’s production of Grease was a fun and memorable experience. The combination of 50's drawl, student - led choreography, and committed performances created a show that left a lasting impression.