Windsor-Essex Community Arts Project (WECAP) is thrilled to present their highly anticipated production of the beloved musical, Grease. With closing performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 11-13, at St. Thomas of Villanova, this high-energy show promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
“We asked the cast of last year’s Senior Program what they would be interested in performing in 2024, and then we went from there. Grease has great music that everyone knows, and the kids were surprisingly enthusiastic about it,” said director Bonnie Porteous, explaining the inspiration behind choosing Grease as this year’s musical production.
While staying true to the essence of the original, WECAP’s creative team has worked tirelessly to bring a fresh perspective to the classic show. Audiences can expect stunning special effects rarely seen in community theatre, along with innovative choreography from Annajayne MacNeil that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
“Annajayne is a fabulous choreographer. She sets high expectations for the cast, and it’s amazing the level of quality they are able to master,” Porteous praised. “We spend a lot of the rehearsal process working on choreography and developing each cast member’s talents. We have included a tap number, and many of the cast learned to tap for the show.”
The music of WECAP’s production of Grease is expected to be a standout feature, with vocal director Ian Smith bringing his passion and expertise to the cast. Smith’s inspirational methods and uplifting instruction have not only helped the performers master the iconic songs but have also developed them as singers in their own right.
“Ian is incredibly inspirational to work with. His methods of instruction are uplifting and inspiring, and the cast really hears the difference in their sound even after a vocal warmup,” Porteous recognized. “I can’t begin to describe the joy that he brings to our rehearsal process and how he has developed the cast to be singers, not just how to sing these specific songs. His passion and care for the success of each member of the cast is admirable, and we’re grateful to be able to work together.”
Audiences can expect to hear all the beloved hits from Grease, including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” performed with fresh energy and enthusiasm by the talented cast. The production has also purchased the rights to perform songs from the movie version, ensuring that fan favorites like “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Sandy” are part of the musical experience.
The production also boasts a talented cast of 28 performers, including several standout rising stars. Newcomer Arshia Zaman is set to amaze with her incredible voice, while Peyton DelPapa, playing Sandy, brings both spunk and sensitivity to the role. Jamieson Macneil, a rising star in the community, and Larissa Porteous, the anchor of the cast, are also expected to deliver exceptional performances.
“The energy at rehearsals is electric! The cast are great friends and are so supportive of each other’s success. There is no infighting or jealousy, which is outstanding in a group this size,” Porteous shared, highlighting the strong bond among the cast members.
WECAP’s production of Grease aims to capture the timeless appeal of the musical while updating it for modern audiences. The team has carefully rephrased some of the script and lyrics to ensure that the cast is comfortable with the language while maintaining the core message of the show.
“Like many productions, Grease has evolved somewhat, changing offensive lyrics for less vulgar ones. We rephrased some of the script, updating it with language our cast was comfortable with. Overall, though, most of the message of the show is still relevant today. Peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and school drama are all issues that our cast deal with today,” Porteous explained.
Beyond the annual musical production, WECAP is committed to fostering the arts scene in Windsor-Essex County. The organization provides performance opportunities for local artists and collaborates with other theatre companies to promote and support the arts community.
“WECAP provides performance opportunities to people in our Community wherever it’s available! Outside of the productions we hold, our group performs at church functions, BBQ’s, and any other venue we’re able to procure. We promote other theatre companies and enjoy collaborating with other artists,” Porteous said, emphasizing WECAP’s dedication to enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
As the curtain rises on WECAP’s production of Grease, audiences can expect an energetic and uplifting performance that pays homage to the iconic musical while adding a fresh twist. With a talented cast, innovative choreography, and a passionate creative team, this production is sure to leave audiences singing and tapping their toes long after the final bow.
“We have tried to bring an energetic and uplifting performance to our audience. We hope that we have done justice to the iconic numbers, and perhaps spiced them up a bit, providing a little extra something for the audience to enjoy. If people leave singing and tapping their toes, we’ll be happy,” Porteous concluded, encapsulating the heart and soul of WECAP’s Grease.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Grease like never before. Get your tickets now for the closing performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 11-13, at St. Thomas of Villanova, and join Danny, Sandy, and the rest of the Rydell High gang for an unforgettable journey filled with love, laughter, and timeless hits.
