GREASE : St. Joseph Catholic High School

Updated: Mar 13

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

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By Kylie Flanders

Mother Margaret Mary

To Rock and Jive the World Anew.

A Musically Charged, Vibrant Period Experience

With a brazen blast of brassy horns, we were transported to a rich, 50s world of good-girls, greasers, and everything in between. This is what I experienced at St. Joseph High School’s rendition of the classic musical “Grease”. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and directed by Ashley Kirk, this production was filled with vibrant characters, a timely feel, and emotional musical numbers.

The story of “Grease” follows the protagonist Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Reese Yushchynshyn, and her relationship with the infamous greaser and bad-boy Danny Zuko, played by Keenan Vulic. At the beginning of the musical, Sandy is meek and mild, a personality and lifestyle so far removed from Danny and the cliques he surrounds himself with, namely the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. In order to maintain their relationship, something has to change. Whether this is Sandy, Danny, or otherwise is not for me to say, but for you to witness yourself.

As stated, one of the standouts of this production were the characters. Every actor, whether named or ensemble, were constantly imbued with so much life and realism for the time period, elevating the musical. However, I would be lying if I said I had no favourites. The humorous, brother-esque stage chemistry between the T-Birds Sonny and Doody, played by Lily Slifka and Lyle Hunter, always brought laughter whenever they shared the stage. Both actors embodied the character and feel of a rowdy greaser with an intense hilarity that I sincerely enjoyed. On a softer note, the blossoming romantic relationship between Roger and Jan, played by Diego Barbosa and Drina Dela Pacino, was so endearing and led to one of my favourite numbers in the show; “Mooning”.

On the topic of musical numbers, I have to mention the live band that played throughout the production’s songs. Led by Erin Morel, this talented group of instrumentalists, made up of current students and alumni, brought a vitality to the musical. The live horns and rhythm section formed a beating heart of jive. Another stellar musical performance was Reese Yushchynshyn’s rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You”. Being the most popular song from the musical, it must have been a harrowing task to take on, but Reese performed it flawlessly. Honestly, I may prefer her version to the studio take. I would also like to applaud the lighting crew for their incredible work. The booth team brought out copious drama, emotion, and atmosphere with too much skill for it to go unnoticed. One moment I particularly enjoyed was during a transition, in which moving red and blue lights accompanied by a police siren forged an immersive world.

To conclude, St. Joseph’s “Grease” is more so an experience than it is a musical. The combination of masterful character work and period music brought together an experience I’m glad to have experienced. Between the characters, music, lighting, set and so forth, there is so much praise to be had, but not nearly enough words to do so. If you ever have a chance to see this production for yourself, I highly encourage you.

By Sophia Salamon

Strathcona High School

Dive into the dreamy, dramatic world of 1950s Chicago with St. Joseph High School’s production of the classic musical Grease, a bright and lively show that embodies the best elements of live theatre. St. Joseph’s performance left the whole audience completely immersed in the world they worked so hard to create, from their dazzling vocals to their curated and detailed set.

The musical Grease, created in 1971 by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, follows teenagers Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko as they navigate their way through high school relationships and identities along with a colourful group of friends that never fail to provide the comedy and drama that define the show. It delivers a relatable, emotionally charged storyline that has delighted audiences for nearly fifty years.

Although nearly half of the actors from Saint Joseph were new to theatre and were still finding their footing on stage, the dedication each actor had to their role was remarkable. This was clear during the opening number, when the actors entered through the audience singing and dancing their faces off, instantly in character. From the start, the audience’s eyes were glued to Jerome Alday, who played Danny’s charismatic friend Kenickie. Alday perfectly embodied the cheeky, confident nature of a 1950s greaser, constantly popping his jacket collar up and grinning from ear to ear. In fact, all of the T-Birds had excellent chemistry with each other, and it was illuminating to watch them thoroughly enjoy their time on stage. Of course, contrasting the brash greaser boys was “good girl” Sandy, played to perfection by Reese Yushchyshyn. Although Sandy’s role is at first very shy and demure, Yushchyshyn used her sweet, yearning vocals and wonderful stage presence to command the audience’s attention every time she appeared. Additionally, after saying a heartfelt goodbye to her old self in “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee Reprise”, the talented actress came back on stage with an impressive newfound confidence appropriate to her character’s growth and arc. She was soundly supported by the ever-harmonizing Pink Ladies, particularly Anya Markowski’s entertaining portrayal of the ditzy and ambitious Frenchy and Audrilana Gregorio’s strong, confident vocals in the role of Betty Rizzo. In fact, the entire principal cast was consistently supported by the amazing ensemble actors, who remained in character and did their best to accommodate mic and prop complications throughout the show.

It would be negligent of me to review St. Joseph’s performance without mentioning the show-stopping technical achievements. One highlight of the performance was the car featured in Grease Lightning, which was sourced and redone completely by the school’s student technicians. Additionally, the hair and makeup perfectly placed the show into its time period and added an element of realism to the performance. When considering these technical achievements partnered with the incredible work done onstage, St. Joseph’s Grease was a thrilling ride that delivered many joyous and entertaining moments.

by Liza Kozachenko

Holy Trinity High School

The moment you stepped into St. Joseph Catholic High School, you could feel the buzz of excitement, as if the walls were humming with anticipation. To borrow the words of the iconic Danny, “You know it ain't no ordinary night!” The students of St. Joseph Catholic High School made sure of that, delivering a performance that left the audience roaring with laughter and applause. Grease, the beloved musical first hitting the stage in 1971, was made by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. A nostalgic take to the rock n roll era of the 1950s, the story follows the whirlwind summer romance of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, who find themselves unexpectedly reunited at Rydell High. Alongside the Pink Ladies and the T Birds Boys, we witness their journey through teenage love, peer pressure, and self-discovery. All set to an unforgettable soundtrack of timeless hits.

St. Joseph Catholic High School’s production of Grease perfectly captured the spirit of the show. The dedication from both the cast and crew was evident in every moment, from the high-energy ensembles to the heartfelt ballads. The bonds between the leads and the dynamic friendships within the ensemble made it feel as though we had been transported straight into the 1950s. Reese Yushchyshyn, taking on the role of Sandy Dumbrowski, stunned the audience with her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” was a standout moment, leaving many in awe. However, nothing compared to the powerhouse vocals of Audrilana Gregorio, who brought a fresh and fiery take to the role of Rizzo. Her version of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing both the toughness and vulnerability that make Rizzo such an interesting character.

For being new to acting, Jerome Alday made it look effortless. His portrayal of Kenickie added another level of comedic humor to the stage. During “Grease Lightning ” he had the audience on edge with his stunts, including leaping onto the raggedy front bumper of a vintage 50s car, adding an exhilarating touch to the performance. Special recognition must be given to the entire ensemble, whose energy was infectious in every scene. The choreography, led by student choreographers Alexandra Geconcillo and Lacey Giasson, was slick and dynamic, with each dance number bursting with life and precision. From the hand jives at the prom to the synchronized moves in “We Go Together” every step was executed with enthusiasm.

A round of applause for the costume and set design teams, who brilliantly captured the essence of the 1950s. The poodle skirts, leather jackets, and vintage hairstyles were spot-on, thanks to the phenomenal hair and makeup team. The set itself was a masterpiece, brought to life with incredible creativity and attention to detail. From the carefully crafted posters to the star of the show, the unmistakable Grease Lightning car, every element contributed to the magic. The use of an actual vintage convertible was a show stopping touch, making the production feel all the more authentic. Kudos to the newly experienced set design team of St. Joseph Catholic High School!

St. Joseph Catholic High School’s Grease was nothing short of electrifying. With a talented cast, a hard-working crew, and a whole lot of heart, they reminded us why this musical remains a timeless classic. The talent and complexity put into this play are undeniable, it was truly an honor to be in the audience that night! This production was indeed the one that we needed!

by Mikaela Cabalo

Oscar Romero High School

It’s electric, it’s flashy, and most certainly cheesy. It’s Grease by St. Joseph High School! Filled with laughter, heartbreak, and piles upon piles of hair grease, the cast and crew of this rendition of the popular musical were hopelessly devoted to keeping audience members engrossed throughout the show.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease premiered in 1971 at the Kingston Mines Theatre. Grease, initially viewed as crude for its red-button topics, is now a cultural phenomenon with multiple awards, nominations, revivals, and one 1978 film adaptation. Naïve Sandy Dumbrowski and cocky Danny Zuko share a summer romance that comes to an end once school rolls around. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, their tale is only beginning. In this rock ’n’ roll story, the audience follows the youngsters of Rydell High School as they navigate through the chaos of teen romance, pregnancy scares, and peer pressure in the 1950s.

This musical’s leading woman captured the attention of all with her extraordinary vocal performance. Reese Yushchyshyn as Sandy Dumbrowski pleasantly entertained viewers with her transition from the sweet Sandra Dee into a confident character.

Rebellious and stupefying were the Pink Ladies. Rizzo (Audrilana Gregorio), accompanied by Frenchy (Anya Markowski), Marty (Riana Layug), and Jan (Drina Dela Pacion) were interesting to watch every second they were together. Their kinship and support for one another displayed how friendship could be a powerful force in defying social norms. Gregorio’s Rizzo thunderstrucks the audience with her golden pipes in “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” her “Rizz-sassy” interactions, and her “Rizz-que” relationship with Jerome Alday’s smooth and groovy Kenickie. Likewise, Dela Pacion’s Jan and Diego Barbosa’s Roger shared a graceful romance as they swooned for each other in “Mooning.” Maintaining an accent is no easy feat, but Markowski effortlessly held a New York accent through strenuous choreographies and songs as Frenchy. Kudos to her!

The sublime band magically changed the Knights of Columbus Theatre into an uproar of cheers and applause. The alumni and students crafted an unforgettable symphony with their musical skills. The sounds of their instruments blended in mellifluousness to produce a sensational musical experience.

The ensemble did not fail in engaging the audience in cheerful songs and lively dance numbers. Their talents shined brightly in “Born to Hand Jive” and “Beauty School Dropout.” The ensemble and T-Birds’ performance of “Grease Lightning” along with the hard work of the individuals who worked on the vintage car really proved that it was more than a “hunk of junk.”

While there were moments of greatness, multiple errors disrupted the flow of the performance. However, cast members were able to turn them into moments of comedy which did not completely drive away the enthusiasm and energy they had for the show.

The cast and crew’s diligence and ardor threw the audience back into the ‘50s with solid choreography, stellar singing, and an exciting live band. St. Joseph High School’s production of Grease left the audience wishing they could be “Shakin’ at the High School Hop.”

by Sydney Boisvert

Louis St. Laurent

Grease is the word, and St. Joseph High School is the place to be! The school’s vibrant production of Grease transported the audience back in time with its colourful set, period costumes, and expertly performed songs. This romantic musical tells the story of greaser Danny Zuko and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy Dumbrowski. After a secret summer romance, their relationship becomes complicated by school life, peer pressure, and cliques. The talented cast and production team brought this iconic story to life, leaving the audience tapping their feet and reminiscing about timeless themes of love and friendship.

“The cast was truly a breath of fresh air,” remarked the director, Ashley Kirk. This sentiment was accurate, as every cast member contributed their talent and commitment to create an unforgettable experience. The ensemble consisted of remarkably skilled singers, dancers, and actors. Reese Yushchyshyn, in her role as Sandy Dumbrowski, stood out with powerful vocal and acting performances that sent chills through the audience. She skillfully captured Sandy’s innocence at the show's beginning while also portraying her growing confidence and sass. Keenan Vulic, as Danny Zuko, delivered a memorable performance, especially considering it was his acting debut. He brought charm and depth to his character, proving that his inexperience wouldn't hold him back. Together, Yushchyshyn and Vulic captivated the audience with their engaging portrayal of this romantic storyline. Additionally, comedic moments shone brightly, particularly through the performances of Jan, played by Drina Dela Pacion, and Doody, portrayed by Lyle Hunter. The duo excelled in comedic timing, delivering laughs throughout the show with Doody's carefree personality and Jan's quirky antics.

The set design truly brought the entire performance to life. The vibrant and playful colour palette captured the essence of the 1950s, immersing the audience in that lively era. Despite the limitations of a small stage, the school creatively transported us to various locations through clever use of height and staging techniques. The set was meticulously crafted, thanks to the impressive work of Hailu Tinbit, Pariksha Dubb, Paula "Emylia" Hinojosa, and Ruth Young, who all contributed to creating a visually stunning environment. A standout feature was the projection used during the drive-in theatre scene, which added a layer of excitement and realism. During this scene, Yushchyshyn and Vulic appeared in a car designed and built by students from St. Joseph High School. Nate Riopelle, Liam Sikorski, Liam Thompson, Dominic Sundar, Owen Pasieka, and the Advanced Auto Body Class took an old vehicle from a farm, stripped it down, removed the engine, and carefully restored it, bringing pieces into the theatre to rebuild and refresh it. Their hard work resulted in a striking prop that enhanced the overall show. Additionally, I would also like to acknowledge Alexandra Gecincillo for her outstanding choreography, which she taught to the cast despite language barriers, showcasing her thoughtfulness and skill.

In summary, the production of Grease at St. Joseph High School was an extraordinary display of talent, creativity, and collaboration. The performances from the ensemble were

remarkable, complemented by outstanding set design and choreography. Each element of the show reflected the commitment and hard work of the entire cast and crew. The vibrant atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and classic music created an enjoyable and heartwarming experience that will remain in the audience's memories for years to come. It truly was a celebration of youth, love, and the magic of theatre.