The Alternative Press

RANDOLPH, NJ – "Grease" was the word on Saturday night as students from Acting-A-Part Theater Co & Movie Studio took to the stage for an adapted version of the musical, Grease.

The show took place at the Music Den, on Route 10 West in Randolph.

“It was an incredible experience working with these students,” said Erika Lupo, Director and Owner of Acting-A-Part.

Lupo said the students participating ranged in age from 7 to 24.

“And for some it was the first time onstage,” Lupo continued. “The show is a great ensemble piece. I’m so proud of all of them. They each brought their own unique gifts to the show.”

Grease started as an off-Broadway show in 1971, eventually making it to Broadway in 1972. It hit the big screen in 1978.

The musical is set in the 1950’s about two teenagers, Danny and Sandy, who fall in love over their summer, and never expecting to see one another again afterward. Sandy ends up at Danny’s high school, and various adventures begin when they are reunited.

Lupo rewrote certain aspects of the script that gave it family-friendly appeal.

A scene in the original, in which Sandy is at a slumber party with girls she befriends and ends up being offered an alcoholic beverage, Lupo wrote in instead the Sandy character drinking soda.

“I bet you never had caffeine before,” one of the Pink Ladies suggested to Sandy, passing her a bottle of Coke, in the Acting-A-Part production.

“I had some once at my cousin’s wedding,” Sandy replied.

Also in the known version, the character Rizzo struggles with the possibility of being pregnant. In the Acting-A-Part version, Lupo writes in that Rizzo is possibly failing out of school, earning an “F” in English. As in the original version, Rizzo asks her friends not to tell, and, they whisper away, with word getting back to Rizzo that her misfortune is the subject of gossip among those who know her.

Lupo additionally changed lyrics in parts of the songs, which would have been intended for more mature actors, and audiences.

The scene incorporated assorted familiar scenes, such as the song, “Summer Nights”, with the children dancing and singing from different sections of the cafeteria.

The children also performed in the number, “Greased Lightning”, sitting in a small pink car onstage.

Other musical numbers included: “Freddy My Love”, “Look at Me I’m Sandra Dee”, “It’s Raining On Prom Night”, “Born To Hand Jive”, “Beauty School Dropout”, “Worse Things I Could Do”, and “We Go Together”.

Assistant Director of the show was Kristin Jackson, choreography was handled by Kelly Dacus-Smith, and piano accompaniment by Mike Yanuzzi.

Linda Kadar of Sparta, one of the parents of student, Julie, who played Patty Simcox, said, “Julie’s been involved with the group for four years. The people are so nice. Julia loves it. We’re looking forward to the summer programs.”

Acting-A-Part is hosting an interactive dinner event on Sunday, June 24 from 6pm to 9pm, at Trinity Restaurant & Lounge in Newton. “A Night of Murder, Mystery and Mayhem” will be a whodunit in the 1920’s speakeasies. Price is $48 per person, and includes dinner. Reservations are required by June 20. Call (973) 222-6360, or email: mysteryapart@gmail.com for tickets.

Click here for Acting-A-Part’s website. Acting-A-Part is located in Sparta and Ridgewood.