Brandon Twp.- Art imitates life in the new Brandon High School musical.
Approximately 60 cast members from both BHS and Brandon Middle School take on roles as teenagers dealing with love, peers and discovering who they really are, in ‘Grease.?
‘Everyone can relate to high school,? says Bre’ann Davert, a BHS senior who plays ‘Sandy,? the leading female role. ‘The cars, the cliques, the relationships- everyone can relate to it.?
Debbie Sebetic, BHS musical director, says she chose the musical because she wanted something ‘light and dancy? after last year’s serious musical, ‘Les Miserables.? She also considered which students would be returning and roles that would need to be filled. She had had Davert in mind for the role of Sandy for a few years.
‘She’s outstanding,? Sebetic says. ‘She has an exceptional voice.?
The Broadway version of ‘Grease? differs quite a bit from the famous 1978 movie, notes Sebetic, and although there will be about 30 musical numbers, some of the famous songs from the movie are missing.
Sebetic believes the audience enjoys watching students grow on stage throughout the years. Many members of the cast have been on stage at BHS previously and are enthusiastic about their roles.
‘Grease? is the fifth musical for BHS senior Katie Hanes. She was happy to get the role of Frenchy, a character who she calls ‘the crazy one with pink hair.?
‘I’ve always been an attention hog,? Hanes says. ‘I love being in the spotlight. This is a fun, upbeat musical.?