Rehearsing “Greased Lightning” for the Staples Players’ production of “Grease” are, from left: Jayden Saenz, Sebastian Gikas, Henry Carson, Ben Herrera and Ryan Porio. / Photo by Kerry Long

WESTPORT — It’s the late-’50s, a time of slicked back hair and souped up cars, black leather jackets and bright pink dresses.

And at Rydell High in California, the Greasers and the Pink Ladies are singing and dancing as though TikTok already existed.

The Staples Players capture all of the era’s rock’n’roll energy with their production of “Grease,” this weekend and next on the high school’s stage. The show is the troupe’s first full-scale musical performed in person for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Grease” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, and again Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20, in the Staples High School auditorium, 70 North Ave. There also will be matinee performances at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 20.

An additional performance has been scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, because of strong demand for tickets.

For those who remember “Grease” as a story about a girl who changes to win a guy, expect a fresh take, David Roth, the production’s co-director, said in an announcement for the show. The Staples production will tell the story “from the perspective of female empowerment.”

Leads are played by Chloe Manna (Class of ’22), the president of Staples Players, as Sandy, and Ben Herrera (Class of ’24) plays Danny.

Kerry Long is the production’s other co-director, joined by choreographer Rachel MacIsaac, music director Don Rickenback, technical director Jeff Hauser, media supervisor James Honeycutt, assistant technical director Alicia D’Anna and producer Amy Mandelbaum.

In the ”Summer Nights” scene from the Staples Players’ production of “Grease” are, from left: Jackie Peterson, Quincy Carson, Quinn Mulvey, Emily Desser, Carly Curran  and Chloe Manna. / Photo by Kerry Long

COVID health and safety protocols will be in place for audiences attending performances.

Everyone attending must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours earlier, according to the Staples Players’ announcement. Unvaccinated children under 12 may be tested prior to the show, with an at-home test or proof of a test from a lab. 

Masks must be worn at all times indoors, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. All audience members must arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure compliance with COVID protocols. Late arrivals may be denied entry, the announcement states.

Tickets to the Staples Players’ production of “Grease” cost $20 and can be purchased online at staplesplayers.com or in the school lobby 30 minutes prior to performances, subject to availability. 

For information, email splayersparents@gmail.com.

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