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Schools

Brookfield East Presents the Musical 'Grease'

Greasers, the Pink Ladies and T-Birds come to Brookfield during East's fall performance of Grease this weekend.

Brookfield East High musical director Corey Schneidewent sums up his debut production this way:

"It all comes down to fast girls, fast guys and fast cars."

East's version of the classic musical 'Grease' — opening Friday and running through Sunday — will hold up to its time period and amuse crowds, Schneidewent ensures.

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"I kept all of the innuendos and nostalgic elements that make up 'Grease,'" Schneidewent said. "It’s all about the rock 'n' roll."

East senior Nora Collins will play the lead of soft-spoken, good girl Sandy and junior Kyle Wessel will play her leading greaser Danny.

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"When I was a little girl I dreamed about playing two people," Collins said. "Elle Woods from 'Legally Blonde' and Sandy from 'Grease.'"

'Grease' is Collins' first time playing a lead in a musical.

With her dream coming true, Collins said she couldn’t wait for the audiences to hear the famous number "Summer Nights," which is her favorite.

Schneidewent said he believed Collins plays a perfect Sandy. "She comes in with a lot of experience," he said.

At 17, Collins is a songwriter with who has regular weekend gigs.

The director chose Wessel as Danny because of his confidence, charming voice and many years of theater experience.

"I’m a little nervous, but it helps to be excited and to be into it," Wessel said. "It doesn’t help to be totally nervous."

Wessel said people will enjoy the musical because of its appeal to the masses and flashback to '50s.

"They will definitely like the hype," Wessel said. "It takes place in high school and we are all in high school. We just want to have fun and spread the energy."

'Grease' will be the first drama production at Brookfield East for director Schneidewent and his assistant director Joshua Grant-Konegni.

Schneidewent said he wanted to start things off right. "The best way is to start out with a bang," he said.

Grant-Konegni recently taught at the Los Angeles High School of the Arts. This is also his first year teaching at Brookfield East.

"The audience will enjoy a glimpse of the past and be pleasantly surprised," Grant-Konegni said.

The Brookfield East’s rendition of 'Grease' will feature songs from original Broadway version.

Collins has no worries when it comes to opening night and tells inspiring actors to do their best.

"Just go for it," Collins said. "And practice your booty off with confidence."

'Grease'

Where: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Dr.

When: Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Tickets: $16 for adults, $10 for students 21 and younger, $12 for seniors 60 and older. Available by calling box office at (262) 781-9520 or purchase online.

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