Cobham Theatre at Bromsgrove School was well and truly transformed into Rydell High School during the first week in December.
Greeted by fellow students complete with long hair, kaftans and dodgy moustaches in the 1979 foyer, the audience knew they were in for a treat. After hearing the Rydell High song and listening to poor Eugene Florczyk drone on about the happy times of his school days twenty years previously, it was magical, as the front curtain dissolved away to reveal the greasers sprawled across the front steps of the school in 1959.
As well as a large cast and live band, there were some wonderful scenic effects – not just the arrival of a fully functioning car on stage but the 14 foot high juke box, which opened hilariously for the Teen Angel to appear as a heavenly guide for French, complete with illuminating staircase, which he descended to reach stage level.
A high energy production, with very high production values truly put Bromsgrove School on the map for Performing Arts, after its recent multi-million pound investment in Drama and Music.
Director Tim Norton commented: “It has been a huge challenge for everybody. The eight week rehearsal period was very intense but always filled with much laughter, especially every time the Greasers appeared. I know that all involved will have great memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.”