Summer Nights in January: Savannah Arts Academy students gear up for ‘Grease’

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Students at the Savannah Arts Academy are preparing for their production of “Grease,” trading winter weather rehearsals for “Summer Nights.”

The production features an all high school cast in what Director Becky Solis said creates an immersive experience for audiences.

“We have a gigantic cast, an amazing gigantic cast, but it’s so immersive,” Solis said. “So when you come to see it, it’s not just the nostalgia of the show itself, but it’s creating an experience in the moment.”

Cast members embrace their roles

Hailey Morris, cast as Sandy, said the role presents both challenges and opportunities.

“It’s challenging and it’s fun and I’m glad that I get the opportunity to do it,” Morris said. “I hope I do her justice to all the fans out there.”

Ada Clark, playing Frenchy, highlighted the cast’s off-stage relationships.

“We all are friends outside of the show,” Clark said. “So to have all my friends in the show - and we’re like meant to be best friends in the show, it’s so much fun.”

Trey Wilner, who plays Doody, emphasized the bonds formed throughout their months-long rehearsals.

“It’s amazing because it’s you build such a tight-knit bond with your fellow scenemates and and castmates - it’s almost like a brother bond,” Wilner said.

Community engagement focus

Solis said she selected “Grease” to generate excitement among students and draw community attendance.

“I wanted to choose something that the students would be excited about and something that I feel that they could get the rest of the student body behind to come see,” Solis said. “We also want the community to come out and we know that this is a show that everybody loves and if they don’t know it yet, they will when they see it.

The case will put on four performances at the John Varnedoe Auditorium at Savannah Arts Academy:

• Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 1 at 2:30 p.m.

The production includes a full cast, technical crew and live pit band. Tickets are available online at saa.booktix.com.