Addison Trail to present winter musical, ‘Grease’

Addison Trail will present its winter musical, "Grease," on Feb. 2, 3 and 4. Pictured are (from left) sophomore Connor White (Danny Zuko), senior Olivia Czerepko (Sandy Dumbrowski), senior Sevina Topalska (Betty Rizzo) and senior Dominic Zumpano (Kenickie).

From left: Addison Trail senior Sevina Topalska (Betty Rizzo), senior Dominic Zumpano (Kenickie), sophomore Connor White (Danny Zuko) and senior Olivia Czerepko (Sandy Dumbrowski) rehearse a scene from Addison Trail's upcoming winter musical, "Grease."

“Grease” is the word at Addison Trail, as the school will present the classic story of adolescence as its winter musical on Feb. 2, 3 and 4.

“Grease” is set in the 1950s and follows the love story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as they and their high school friends deal with the challenges of being a teenager – fitting in, discovering who you are and remembering what’s really important is spending time with the ones you care about.

Theatre Director Anna Jakubka said she chose this musical in honor of Addison Trail’s 50th anniversary this year.

“‘Grease’ is a perfect fit to celebrate 50 years of Blazer Pride,” she said. “It definitely brings you back to your high school days and gets you reminiscing about your alma mater.”

Addison Trail is hosting anniversary events throughout the school year, and you can find more information at www.dupage88.net/50thDetails.

Addison Trail senior Sevina Topalska, who plays Betty Rizzo – Rydell High School’s rebel and girl with a "reputation" who’s dating Kenickie (played by Addison Trail theatre newcomer senior Dominic Zumpano) – said she grew up watching “Grease” and is thrilled to bring the well-loved songs, dances and characters to Addison Trail.

“You want to portray everyone’s perception of these iconic characters,” she said. “Each one has a distinct personality, and it’s a fun challenge to portray those traits.”

Senior Olivia Czerepko, who plays Sandy, said audience members of all ages will enjoy the show, as the themes and relationships span generations.

“Everyone can relate to at least one of the characters,” Czerepko said. “They’re almost stereotypical, which is what makes the musical so timeless.”

Sophomore Connor White, who plays Danny, said the stage version of “Grease” is different from the movie, and the school looks forward to adding its own artistic flare to the production.

“Those who come to watch the show can expect to feel nostalgic,” White said. “They will get to see the aspects of ‘Grease’ they love, as well as new things they didn’t know were in the play.”

“Grease”
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 2, 3 and 4 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Feb. 4)

Teacher-Parent Organization (TPO) Spaghetti Dinner: Between the two productions on Feb. 4 (from 4 to 6:15 p.m.) – see details at https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=3212

Where: Addison Trail, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 3 to 12, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, call 630-628-3365, or e-mail at.theatre88@gmail.com.