By Jamie Strickland
This spring, Cleveland High School’s theatre arts department transported audiences back to Rydell High with their vibrant and heartfelt production of Grease. Under the direction and choreography of theatre teacher Mrs. Bailey White, students brought classic characters like Sandy, Danny, Rizzo, Kenickie and more to life, performing hit songs such as “Greased Lightning,” “Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” “Born to Hand Jive” and “Beauty School Drop Out.”
But beyond the lights, music, and iconic costumes, the true story of this production unfolded behind the scenes — through the friendships, trust and creative collaboration built among the cast and crew.
“It has been such an honor to direct and choreograph a show that is so familiar to our cast, our crew, and our audiences,” said White in her Director’s Note. “Every person who has worked on this show has a deep love and appreciation for it already — which makes our work here even more memorable and meaningful.”
That sense of meaning extended into the rehearsal space, where students became more than just castmates. “Since our rehearsal schedule is so packed, the cast and crew truly become a family together,” White shared. “Arguing, loving, and always supporting each other like siblings! For a lot of them, they spend more time at school for rehearsals than they do at home — so the environment they create together becomes their second home.”
Led by Peyton Hogge as Sandy Dumbrowski and Evan Oeltjenbruns as Danny Zuko, the ensemble delivered energetic performances that captivated their audiences. Oeltjenbruns perfectly channeled John Travolta in his mannerisms and Hogge embodied Olivia Newton-John in black leather at the end.
Cameron Ayscue delivered a beautiful and emotional vocal performance as Betty Rizzo, first silencing the audience as they listened intently and then causing them to erupt with applause and cheers.
Other key cast members included Nate Reichart as Kenickie, Audrey Haddock as Frenchy, Raleigh Farrar as Marty, Lauren Oeltjenbruns as Jan, Aiden Waddell as Doody, Mason Caddick as Sonny and Alexander Kellerhals as Roger.
A standout piece of the production was the show-stopping “Greased Lightning” car, brought to life by parent volunteer Gregory Hill. Hill modified a real car, stripping it down to its bare bones to make it light enough for the stage. In a touching gesture on closing night, he presented a piston from the car to White and another to be displayed in the school’s trophy case. Then, he poured out a bag of leftover nuts and bolts from the car, letting each cast and crew member take a piece home as a memento of their shared experience.
The final night was especially moving, as the cast gathered on stage to honor their graduating seniors. “Performing is an extremely vulnerable art form,” said White, “so they have to be comfortable enough to play, laugh, fail, and learn together.” That vulnerability and connection was felt throughout the auditorium during the emotional send-off.
From the electrifying choreography to the shared tears and laughter, Grease at Cleveland High School wasn’t just a musical — it was a celebration of community, creativity and the powerful bonds students form through the arts.
