Grease: School Version
at Tri-School Theatre

Reviewed on May 2, 2015

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Lightning Strikes at Tri-School's "Grease"

Attention students! A brief reminder that singing in the cafeteria is encouraged, sprinting though the hallway is applauded, and "Grease" is the word-- at least if you're a T-Bird!

Welcome to Tri-School Theatre's recent production of "Grease", a classic story about fitting in and standing out, in a world where no one is quite what they seem. Set in the late 50's, "Grease" follows Sandy and Danny, two teenagers who fall in love over summer vacation. However, upon returning to school they face an unexpected challenge: how can their relationship thrive when they come from two totally different worlds?

Alexandra Worden shines as Sandy, a girl whose sugar-sweet personality sets her apart from her reckless new friends. Worden speaks with a quiet and wispy voice, reminiscent of the innocent ingénues of classic romance flicks. However, when she decides to break away from her good-girl demeanor in "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee", she loses her soft voice, and sings out with a strong, free tone.

Suave and calm, Marco Gonzalez keeps it cool as Danny, the rebellious leader of a gang of greasers. Gonzalez talks with a slow, confident voice, giving the audience the sense that he is completely in control of everything he does. This initial impression is flipped on its head when he talks in private with Sandy, tripping over his own words and sporting a goofy grin.

Steve Wehner charms as Doody, one of the members of Danny's gang, the T-Birds. Wehner presents his character as slightly hapless, struggling to play even simple chords on his guitar and awkwardly popping his jacket collar when he tries to ask his crush to a dance. However, he transforms from a fumbling little brother to a full-fledged superstar in "Those Magic Changes", when he stuns with his flawless tenor timbre.

Chloe Fano intrigues as Marty, one of Sandy's sassy friends. In her song "Freddy My Love", she sweetly serenades her fiancé with a smooth voice that imitates the honeyed style of 50's doo-wop singers. Fano's innocent sounding tone is a stark contrast to her fiery personality, shown through her swiveling hips and proudly raised chin.

Tri-School's newest production, much like a high school yearbook, manages to keep a by-gone time period looking fresh and brilliantly fun. With lovable characters and catchy songs, Tri-school proves that "Grease" and good times will always go together!

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Lightning Strikes at Tri-School's "Grease"

Attention students! A brief reminder that singing in the cafeteria is encouraged, sprinting though the hallway is applauded, and "Grease" is the word-- at least if you're a T-Bird!

Welcome to Tri-School Theatre's recent production of "Grease", a classic story about fitting in and standing out, in a world where no one is quite what they seem. Set in the late 50's, "Grease" follows Sandy and Danny, two teenagers who fall in love over summer vacation. However, upon returning to school they face an unexpected challenge: how can their relationship thrive when they come from two totally different worlds?

Alexandra Worden shines as Sandy, a girl whose sugar-sweet personality sets her apart from her reckless new friends. Worden speaks with a quiet and wispy voice, reminiscent of the innocent ingénues of classic romance flicks. However, when she decides to break away from her good-girl demeanor in "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee", she loses her soft voice, and sings out with a strong, free tone.

Suave and calm, Marco Gonzalez keeps it cool as Danny, the rebellious leader of a gang of greasers. Gonzalez talks with a slow, confident voice, giving the audience the sense that he is completely in control of everything he does. This initial impression is flipped on its head when he talks in private with Sandy, tripping over his own words and sporting a goofy grin.

Steve Wehner charms as Doody, one of the members of Danny's gang, the T-Birds. Wehner presents his character as slightly hapless, struggling to play even simple chords on his guitar and awkwardly popping his jacket collar when he tries to ask his crush to a dance. However, he transforms from a fumbling little brother to a full-fledged superstar in "Those Magic Changes", when he stuns with his flawless tenor timbre.

Chloe Fano intrigues as Marty, one of Sandy's sassy friends. In her song "Freddy My Love", she sweetly serenades her fiancé with a smooth voice that imitates the honeyed style of 50's doo-wop singers. Fano's innocent sounding tone is a stark contrast to her fiery personality, shown through her swiveling hips and proudly raised chin.

Tri-School's newest production, much like a high school yearbook, manages to keep a by-gone time period looking fresh and brilliantly fun. With lovable characters and catchy songs, Tri-school proves that "Grease" and good times will always go together!

Megan McCarthy
University High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tri-School Goes Together in "Grease"

High school is challenging time to fit in, but when one can find friends that will always look out for them and truly care, life can truly be a wop ba-ba lu-mop and a wop bam boom! Tri-School's production of "Grease: School Version" sparkles with both shining individuals and group efforts.

Alexandra Worden, portraying Sandy, exemplifies her wholesome nature from her first moment onstage. At first, she shyly walks up to the lunch tables looking down and tilting her head, but when she talks to the Pink Ladies, her sweet light tone portrays her innocence and kindness. Opposite her, Marco Gonzalez, playing Danny, effectively switches between leaning back and using a deeper, more relaxed tone when putting on his false persona to leaning in and using an higher tone when he talks to Sandy with involvement and enthusiasm.

Chloe Fano's, as Marty, vocals resound in "Freddy My Love". With sustaining lines and breath support, Fano carries her notes with power and fluidity that reflect the style of the time and her character's longing to see Freddy again. Earlier on, Steve Wehner also shows off his vocals and belts with command in "Those Magic Changes", adding power to high-energy number.

Vitoria Villalobos, performing as Patty, carries her character's physicalization and vocal inflections throughout as the peppy cheerleader. Bouncing onstage with sharp exaggerated movements, Villalobos welcomes Sandy to Rydell High in an upbeat high-pitched voice with many excited and energetic inflections, as she holds true to the epitome of stereotype cheerleaders. Kira Del Toro Rubeshaw, portraying Miss Lynch, similarly, is constant throughout the show with her choices as well. When talking with the gang of rowdy boys, her upright posture, clasped hands and elevated tone draws a distinction between the teenagers and adults in the show and stays true to her character's stereotype.

While some choreography is not always precise, the cast in "We Go Together" fills the stage with energetic jumps and shimmies, showcasing the joyful attitude of upbeat music of the 50's. Erica Hodges, portraying ChaCha, is noticeably exposed in "Born to Hand-Jive" with her long extended lines and flexibility. As she moves in the beat to the rhythm, her movements always extend beyond herself, showcasing the talent her character has in dance.

The company of Tri-School's "Grease: School Version" joyfully performs this energetic and entertaining show that teaches the togetherness of friendship.

Megan McCarthy
University High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tri-School Goes Together in "Grease"

High school is challenging time to fit in, but when one can find friends that will always look out for them and truly care, life can truly be a wop ba-ba lu-mop and a wop bam boom! Tri-School's production of "Grease: School Version" sparkles with both shining individuals and group efforts.

Alexandra Worden, portraying Sandy, exemplifies her wholesome nature from her first moment onstage. At first, she shyly walks up to the lunch tables looking down and tilting her head, but when she talks to the Pink Ladies, her sweet light tone portrays her innocence and kindness. Opposite her, Marco Gonzalez, playing Danny, effectively switches between leaning back and using a deeper, more relaxed tone when putting on his false persona to leaning in and using an higher tone when he talks to Sandy with involvement and enthusiasm.

Chloe Fano's, as Marty, vocals resound in "Freddy My Love". With sustaining lines and breath support, Fano carries her notes with power and fluidity that reflect the style of the time and her character's longing to see Freddy again. Earlier on, Steve Wehner also shows off his vocals and belts with command in "Those Magic Changes", adding power to high-energy number.

Vitoria Villalobos, performing as Patty, carries her character's physicalization and vocal inflections throughout as the peppy cheerleader. Bouncing onstage with sharp exaggerated movements, Villalobos welcomes Sandy to Rydell High in an upbeat high-pitched voice with many excited and energetic inflections, as she holds true to the epitome of stereotype cheerleaders. Kira Del Toro Rubeshaw, portraying Miss Lynch, similarly, is constant throughout the show with her choices as well. When talking with the gang of rowdy boys, her upright posture, clasped hands and elevated tone draws a distinction between the teenagers and adults in the show and stays true to her character's stereotype.

While some choreography is not always precise, the cast in "We Go Together" fills the stage with energetic jumps and shimmies, showcasing the joyful attitude of upbeat music of the 50's. Erica Hodges, portraying ChaCha, is noticeably exposed in "Born to Hand-Jive" with her long extended lines and flexibility. As she moves in the beat to the rhythm, her movements always extend beyond herself, showcasing the talent her character has in dance.

The company of Tri-School's "Grease: School Version" joyfully performs this energetic and entertaining show that teaches the togetherness of friendship.

Joyce Lee
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tri-School presents a slick "Grease: School Version"

Full of flashy fashion and high school drama, Tri-School Theatre's striking rendition of "Grease: School Version" compels with strong vocals, colorful characters and a 1950s flair.

Focused on the romance between new student Sandy and bad boy Danny, the musical shows the struggle of maintaining a reputation while pursuing an impossible love.

Sandy (Alexandra Worden) embodies the girl-next-door stereotype, her breathy voice adding innocence to her tone and creating a lilting accent. Initially soft, Worden's voice becomes richer as the show progresses, culminating in a vulnerable reprise of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Complementing Sandy's sweetness is Danny Zuko (Marco Gonzales), leader of the greaser gang, the T-Birds. All smirks and languid swagger, Gonzales charms with his strong voice, utilizing a mix of falsettos with full-on belting in "All Choked Up."

The main couple's on-and-off relationship highlights Danny's dual personalities — sweet around Sandy, but abrasive around his friends — and how he struggles to reconcile the two.

Adding a boyish camaraderie to the show, the T-Birds exemplify a tightly-knit group of friends, always playfully shoving each other. Despite their unity, they each take on a distinct personality. Roger (Ckyrro Carlos) epitomizes a blundering clown, providing comic relief in the song "Mooning," while Doody (Steve Wehner) plays up the role of an aspiring guitarist with "These Magic Changes," turning the simple song into a big Broadway-esque number.

Glamorous and edgy, the Pink Ladies counter the T-Birds with their own brand of attitude. Rizzo (Samantha Ramos) stands out with her biting wit and daring flirtations, executing a powerful rendition of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." Her exaggerated caricature of Sandy emphasizes Rizzo's callous nature. Frenchy (Hannah Butler), however, amuses with her peculiar facial expressions and trusting friendliness.

Also notable is Vitoria Villalobos as the cheerleader, Patty, whose excitable attitude is clearly portrayed in her restless bouncing. Kira Del Toro Rubeshaw cuts a sharp figure as Miss Lynch, her ramrod-straight posture and snippy voice capturing the essence of a strict teacher.

The ensembles of Rydell High are evenly spread out onstage, adding a fullness to the scenes. Their dancing in songs like "We Go Together" is sleek and cohesive, despite the dances' complexity.

Combining powerful singers with distinctive characters, Tri-School Theatre's "Grease: School Version" ignites a newfound energy in this classic ‘50s romance, imparting an impactful story about love's thrills in life.

Joyce Lee
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tri-School presents a slick "Grease: School Version"

Full of flashy fashion and high school drama, Tri-School Theatre's striking rendition of "Grease: School Version" compels with strong vocals, colorful characters and a 1950s flair.

Focused on the romance between new student Sandy and bad boy Danny, the musical shows the struggle of maintaining a reputation while pursuing an impossible love.

Sandy (Alexandra Worden) embodies the girl-next-door stereotype, her breathy voice adding innocence to her tone and creating a lilting accent. Initially soft, Worden's voice becomes richer as the show progresses, culminating in a vulnerable reprise of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Complementing Sandy's sweetness is Danny Zuko (Marco Gonzales), leader of the greaser gang, the T-Birds. All smirks and languid swagger, Gonzales charms with his strong voice, utilizing a mix of falsettos with full-on belting in "All Choked Up."

The main couple's on-and-off relationship highlights Danny's dual personalities — sweet around Sandy, but abrasive around his friends — and how he struggles to reconcile the two.

Adding a boyish camaraderie to the show, the T-Birds exemplify a tightly-knit group of friends, always playfully shoving each other. Despite their unity, they each take on a distinct personality. Roger (Ckyrro Carlos) epitomizes a blundering clown, providing comic relief in the song "Mooning," while Doody (Steve Wehner) plays up the role of an aspiring guitarist with "These Magic Changes," turning the simple song into a big Broadway-esque number.

Glamorous and edgy, the Pink Ladies counter the T-Birds with their own brand of attitude. Rizzo (Samantha Ramos) stands out with her biting wit and daring flirtations, executing a powerful rendition of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." Her exaggerated caricature of Sandy emphasizes Rizzo's callous nature. Frenchy (Hannah Butler), however, amuses with her peculiar facial expressions and trusting friendliness.

Also notable is Vitoria Villalobos as the cheerleader, Patty, whose excitable attitude is clearly portrayed in her restless bouncing. Kira Del Toro Rubeshaw cuts a sharp figure as Miss Lynch, her ramrod-straight posture and snippy voice capturing the essence of a strict teacher.

The ensembles of Rydell High are evenly spread out onstage, adding a fullness to the scenes. Their dancing in songs like "We Go Together" is sleek and cohesive, despite the dances' complexity.

Combining powerful singers with distinctive characters, Tri-School Theatre's "Grease: School Version" ignites a newfound energy in this classic ‘50s romance, imparting an impactful story about love's thrills in life.