On Friday, October 24th, Robert Morris University’s Theatre department will host their own production of “Grease.”
This play would capture the stereotypical characteristics and quirks of the 1950s high school teenage culture.
The name given to the working-class subculture called “greasers” that were prominent in the United States in the 1950s.
This would be my first time hearing of this production, as well as the fact that there was also a film featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
While the movie seems to be the most recolonized piece of media surrounding this story, the first iteration of it was in a musical format, first being played in 1971.
This was also my first ever experience at a musical. I am very grateful that my first play would be at my university.
Because of my unfamiliarity with musicals, especially ones being put on by schools, I didn’t really know what to expect.
Massey Hall housed a little theater; the seats were filled with families as well as fellow RMU students.
Students attending the musical was a refreshing sight, little things like this really make me thankful to attend a school that is very supportive of student and school ran events.
The production itself was incredible. Even in and out of character the cast never broke their smile.
The scenes and musical numbers were very quirky, but so enjoyable at the same time.
The character names had a Pittsburgh feel to them, which I found amusing. For context, Danny Zuko, Sandy Dumbrowski, Betty Rizzo, and Sonny Latierri, to name a few. You can’t get more “yinzer” than that.
The students also hosted tremendous vocal talent. I was astonished by how smooth it sounded.
The crowd was enjoying every moment of the show, laughs and cheers spread throughout the theater and the final standing applause was well-deserved for these students.
The musical was a creative display that highlighted the emergence of stereotypical teenage culture in mainstream society.