Grease
at Corona del Mar

Reviewed on March 18, 2016

Miranda Wolford
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Corona del Mar adds new energy to 'Grease'

Bringing the stereotypes of the 1950s to life, Rydell High School serves as the homeland to overly sprightly cheerleaders, oafish jocks, mean girls, and rowdy greasers. Even with the hardships of high school, friendships between the students of Rydell manage to persevere, as Corona del Mar High School shows in their production of "Grease."

Perfectly embodying the innocence and awkwardness of the high school years through each hair twirl and doe-eyed expression, Sandy, played by Crystal Hernandez, opens the show as a nervous school girl nursing a naive crush on the leader of the greaser T-Birds, Danny. Yet, as she socially matures throughout the show, Sandy's demeanor changes from one of demureness to one of confidence.

Countering Sandy's initial insecurities with his own brazen behavior, Danny, portrayed by Blake Weise, stands center stage with his hands in a defiant fist and his hips thrusted forward, boldly leading the brigade of greasers and jocks alike. However, Danny's cocky attitude shifts to shyness whenever Sandy is around, adding a surprisingly emotional layer to a stereotypical character.

Comedically, the ensemble excels as an entirety through every raunchy one-liner and absurd antic. Roger (Matthew Beyrooty) and Jan (Melisa Ulkumen) combine forces as a comedic power couple in the hysterical number "Mooning," in which Roger's passion for mooning and Jan's obsessive snacking result in an awkward yet charming romance.

The vocal strengths of the cast are highlighted through various interwoven solos, from woefully longing love ballads to energized comeback songs. Marty, played by Gianna Schott, stands out with her sultry tone and self-assured stride as she declares her love for her military boyfriend in "Freddy My Love." Shocking the audience with a resounding belt, the brassy and saucy Rizzo (Emily Delgado) humanizes her character in a song of anguish over her unexpected pregnancy in "There are Worse Things I Could Do."

Staying true to the 1950s style, hair and makeup designers Kendall Cameron-Petersen and Renata Ingerson pay special attention to each character, from Vince Fontaine's gelled up-do to Rizzo's pink lip and blue eye shadow.

The CdM Orchestra expertly facilitates the harmonious music played throughout the show, while still highlighting the individual talents of the students with timely saxophone solos throughout.

With every doo-wop and hand jive, Corona del Mar adds new energy to the timeless "Grease."

Miranda Wolford
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Corona del Mar adds new energy to 'Grease'

Bringing the stereotypes of the 1950s to life, Rydell High School serves as the homeland to overly sprightly cheerleaders, oafish jocks, mean girls, and rowdy greasers. Even with the hardships of high school, friendships between the students of Rydell manage to persevere, as Corona del Mar High School shows in their production of "Grease."

Perfectly embodying the innocence and awkwardness of the high school years through each hair twirl and doe-eyed expression, Sandy, played by Crystal Hernandez, opens the show as a nervous school girl nursing a naive crush on the leader of the greaser T-Birds, Danny. Yet, as she socially matures throughout the show, Sandy's demeanor changes from one of demureness to one of confidence.

Countering Sandy's initial insecurities with his own brazen behavior, Danny, portrayed by Blake Weise, stands center stage with his hands in a defiant fist and his hips thrusted forward, boldly leading the brigade of greasers and jocks alike. However, Danny's cocky attitude shifts to shyness whenever Sandy is around, adding a surprisingly emotional layer to a stereotypical character.

Comedically, the ensemble excels as an entirety through every raunchy one-liner and absurd antic. Roger (Matthew Beyrooty) and Jan (Melisa Ulkumen) combine forces as a comedic power couple in the hysterical number "Mooning," in which Roger's passion for mooning and Jan's obsessive snacking result in an awkward yet charming romance.

The vocal strengths of the cast are highlighted through various interwoven solos, from woefully longing love ballads to energized comeback songs. Marty, played by Gianna Schott, stands out with her sultry tone and self-assured stride as she declares her love for her military boyfriend in "Freddy My Love." Shocking the audience with a resounding belt, the brassy and saucy Rizzo (Emily Delgado) humanizes her character in a song of anguish over her unexpected pregnancy in "There are Worse Things I Could Do."

Staying true to the 1950s style, hair and makeup designers Kendall Cameron-Petersen and Renata Ingerson pay special attention to each character, from Vince Fontaine's gelled up-do to Rizzo's pink lip and blue eye shadow.

The CdM Orchestra expertly facilitates the harmonious music played throughout the show, while still highlighting the individual talents of the students with timely saxophone solos throughout.

With every doo-wop and hand jive, Corona del Mar adds new energy to the timeless "Grease."

Emerson Taylor
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Corona del Mar delivers an electrified 'Grease'

From the guitar stroke to the final drumbeat, Corona del Mar's 'Grease' exudes an energy as intense as the lightning bolts adorning the sides of Greased Lightnin. The unity of the cast and crew presents itself in two different but equally spirited friend groups, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds, who come together just in time to strike their final pose.

Crystal Hernandez presents a multifaceted Sandy: first taking the stage with wide eyes and an airy tone of voice, she embraces an innocent nature which then juxtaposes the bolder personality Sandy chooses in Act II, evidenced in Hernandez's sassy stances and bigger vocal quality in 'All Choked Up'.

Playing off Hernandez is Blake Weise, Danny Zuko, using his innocence to incorporate a boyish charm to his otherwise suave nature. Running his hand through his slicked back hair, Weise swaggers across the stage as the leader of the T- Birds, oozing charm.

As Frenchy, Emily Arenal embraces the ditzy side of her character- bouncing on the balls of her feet and praying to a guardian angel to help her through life in 'Beauty School Dropout'. As the sweet and sassy Marty, Gianna Schott bats her eyelashes to flirt with the guys, despite the engagement she sings of so saucily in 'Freddy, my Love'. All devoted Pink Ladies from powerful Rizzo (Emily Delgado) to fun-loving Jan (Melisa Ulkumen) are able to find shining moments from within the tight knit ensemble walking through the halls of Rydell High.

Each T-Bird incorporates a swagger into their performance: Andres Delagdo (Doody) shows off rock star vocals in a magical solo, Max Peterson (Sonny) develops a playful persona while Mason Amdor fully embodies Kenickie's greasy mindset, and Matthew Beyrooty showcases his comedic timing as Roger in 'Mooning'. Sharply contrasting the cool T-Birds is Lucan Stargiotti as Younger Eugene, walking with his shoulders slumped and hands nervously intertwined to create a noticeable presence.

Cameron-Petersen's hair and Ingerson's makeup designs add to the personality of the characters while staying in the style of the 1950's. Rizzo's design features bold winged eyeliner, while Frenchy shines with glittery eyeshadow. To tie the production together is the CDM Orchestra, playing electric music with precision and incorporating smooth saxophone solos to recreate the classic music.

With the combined efforts of an animated cast and a precise crew, Corona del Mar's production practically shouts, "Grease!".

Emerson Taylor
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Corona del Mar delivers an electrified 'Grease'

From the guitar stroke to the final drumbeat, Corona del Mar's 'Grease' exudes an energy as intense as the lightning bolts adorning the sides of Greased Lightnin. The unity of the cast and crew presents itself in two different but equally spirited friend groups, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds, who come together just in time to strike their final pose.

Crystal Hernandez presents a multifaceted Sandy: first taking the stage with wide eyes and an airy tone of voice, she embraces an innocent nature which then juxtaposes the bolder personality Sandy chooses in Act II, evidenced in Hernandez's sassy stances and bigger vocal quality in 'All Choked Up'.

Playing off Hernandez is Blake Weise, Danny Zuko, using his innocence to incorporate a boyish charm to his otherwise suave nature. Running his hand through his slicked back hair, Weise swaggers across the stage as the leader of the T- Birds, oozing charm.

As Frenchy, Emily Arenal embraces the ditzy side of her character- bouncing on the balls of her feet and praying to a guardian angel to help her through life in 'Beauty School Dropout'. As the sweet and sassy Marty, Gianna Schott bats her eyelashes to flirt with the guys, despite the engagement she sings of so saucily in 'Freddy, my Love'. All devoted Pink Ladies from powerful Rizzo (Emily Delgado) to fun-loving Jan (Melisa Ulkumen) are able to find shining moments from within the tight knit ensemble walking through the halls of Rydell High.

Each T-Bird incorporates a swagger into their performance: Andres Delagdo (Doody) shows off rock star vocals in a magical solo, Max Peterson (Sonny) develops a playful persona while Mason Amdor fully embodies Kenickie's greasy mindset, and Matthew Beyrooty showcases his comedic timing as Roger in 'Mooning'. Sharply contrasting the cool T-Birds is Lucan Stargiotti as Younger Eugene, walking with his shoulders slumped and hands nervously intertwined to create a noticeable presence.

Cameron-Petersen's hair and Ingerson's makeup designs add to the personality of the characters while staying in the style of the 1950's. Rizzo's design features bold winged eyeliner, while Frenchy shines with glittery eyeshadow. To tie the production together is the CDM Orchestra, playing electric music with precision and incorporating smooth saxophone solos to recreate the classic music.

With the combined efforts of an animated cast and a precise crew, Corona del Mar's production practically shouts, "Grease!".

Audrey Mitchell
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

‘Grease' is the word at Corona del Mar

Frenchy quits high school to become an beautician. Rizzo thinks she is pregnant. Through the day-to-day struggles of high school, Sandy and Danny attempt to nurture their budding romance, despite peer pressure pulling them apart.

‘Grease' tells the star-crossed love story of the innocent Sandy, who must change herself in order to win Danny, the boy of her dreams. Corona del Mar High School's production is flamboyant and entertaining. Energetic ensemble numbers and stunning vocals combine with detailed technical elements to create a unique rendition of the unforgettable musical.

As Sandy, Crystal Hernandez walks chastely onstage with a vulnerable look in her eyes. Hernandez exudes naivete, whether hugging a pillow to her chest sadly or trying to drink alcohol to fit in. Opposite to Hernandez is Blake Weise as the multi-dimensional Danny Zuko. In ‘Alone at the Drive-In,' Weise wails in a falsetto and laments how he has treated Sandy. However, in front of his friends, his emotional demeanor changes to a disinterested smirk. The seamless transitions between personas accentuate his character's true nature.

The ensemble is one of the highlights of the show. The Pink Ladies work together to present an unfriendly front to the outside world. Emily Delgado as Rizzo is bitter and abrasive, physically and emotionally pushing people away when she needs them most. Emily Arenal has a huge personality in a tiny body as Frenchy. In ‘Beauty School Dropout,' Arenal's facial expressions demonstrate her unapologetic character, as she crumples a diploma and throws it into the audience. Meanwhile, every testosterone-filled number with the T-Birds is quite entertaining. Spreading swagger around stage and flirting with any girl in sight. In ‘We Go Together,' the entire cast combine, falling out of their various cliques to sing with a carefree attitude and just enjoy their day in the sun.

Hair and makeup, designed by Kendall Cameron-Petersen and Renata Ingerson, contribute to the uniqueness of each character. The T-Birds sport pompadours with plenty of gel, often slicking back their hair with combs. Sandy wears a high ponytail complete with a ribbon for the majority of the show, but lets her hair down for the final scene, representing her bold new personality.

Exploring the power of friendship through difficulties, Corona del Mar's production of ‘Grease' is spirited, heart-warming, and genuine in its emotion.

Audrey Mitchell
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

‘Grease' is the word at Corona del Mar

Frenchy quits high school to become an beautician. Rizzo thinks she is pregnant. Through the day-to-day struggles of high school, Sandy and Danny attempt to nurture their budding romance, despite peer pressure pulling them apart.

‘Grease' tells the star-crossed love story of the innocent Sandy, who must change herself in order to win Danny, the boy of her dreams. Corona del Mar High School's production is flamboyant and entertaining. Energetic ensemble numbers and stunning vocals combine with detailed technical elements to create a unique rendition of the unforgettable musical.

As Sandy, Crystal Hernandez walks chastely onstage with a vulnerable look in her eyes. Hernandez exudes naivete, whether hugging a pillow to her chest sadly or trying to drink alcohol to fit in. Opposite to Hernandez is Blake Weise as the multi-dimensional Danny Zuko. In ‘Alone at the Drive-In,' Weise wails in a falsetto and laments how he has treated Sandy. However, in front of his friends, his emotional demeanor changes to a disinterested smirk. The seamless transitions between personas accentuate his character's true nature.

The ensemble is one of the highlights of the show. The Pink Ladies work together to present an unfriendly front to the outside world. Emily Delgado as Rizzo is bitter and abrasive, physically and emotionally pushing people away when she needs them most. Emily Arenal has a huge personality in a tiny body as Frenchy. In ‘Beauty School Dropout,' Arenal's facial expressions demonstrate her unapologetic character, as she crumples a diploma and throws it into the audience. Meanwhile, every testosterone-filled number with the T-Birds is quite entertaining. Spreading swagger around stage and flirting with any girl in sight. In ‘We Go Together,' the entire cast combine, falling out of their various cliques to sing with a carefree attitude and just enjoy their day in the sun.

Hair and makeup, designed by Kendall Cameron-Petersen and Renata Ingerson, contribute to the uniqueness of each character. The T-Birds sport pompadours with plenty of gel, often slicking back their hair with combs. Sandy wears a high ponytail complete with a ribbon for the majority of the show, but lets her hair down for the final scene, representing her bold new personality.

Exploring the power of friendship through difficulties, Corona del Mar's production of ‘Grease' is spirited, heart-warming, and genuine in its emotion.