The last few weeks in the Piotrowski household have been devoted to the musical GREASE. Last spring Ally was cast as "Sandy" and it was the role of a lifetime. She did a fantastic job with the role, she really developed her character. Unlike in the movie where Olivia Newton John's Sandy seemed shy and prudish, Ally's stage Sandy had a whole different level. In our Grease, Sandy came across as a teen who definitely was not happy with her station at Rydell. She came across as a feisty Sandy, clearly not happy with the prude label she had been given but not quite willing to compromise her values to a group of pink jacket wearing girls who seemed to make one bad decision after another. However, she did not fit in with the ever happy, ever gloating cheerleader types either, which left Sandy with no where to go. You could see the struggle on her face throughout the second act of the show. She wasn't a "go all the way" girl and was clearly confused as to why that was a requirement to fit in with the other girls and the "greaser" type guys. Unlike in the movie where Sandy seems to be compromising her values to become the 'new' Sandy, in the stage version, Sandy seems to make the 'new' Sandy fit her. During the song Sandra Dee you can see her plan forming. She has not been happy with the Sandra Dee role she was assigned to and clearly wanted to make a change on her own terms. In the end she seems confident and happy in her new role, a stronger, happier, Sandy.
The talent in this show was absolutely amazing. Every single student was outstanding. No one more than another. Each student became their character. It was a little disconcerting to run into Kennicke or Frenchie offstage and realize they were totally different in real life than on stage. Every song was perfect and every joke was hilarious. The Greased Lightening car quickly became an audience favorite. This ensemble cast (including the car) was a treat to watch and everyone who attended the show had fun. What a wonderful way for Ally to end her HS musical career!
P.S. What are some jobs that this mom (and other booster moms) did to get ready for the show? The list includes preparing four cast dinners, making a cast board with head shots, decorating and running a concession stand that included fresh popped popcorn, candy, drinks, break a legs and roses, ordering t-shirts and running around looking for costumes. Wow, when it was time for the cast party wrap up, I was happiest of all, and the first one to sleep.
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