North Shore Music Theatre's "Grease:" The Electrifying Musical
It's a whole lot of rock 'n' roll!
I feel chills, they’re multiplying!
North Shore Music Theatre opens its stage for the electrifying musical Grease. ‘Good girl’ Sandy Dumbrowski and ‘greaser’ Danny Zuko fall in love one summer. The real test begins when school is back in session and they struggle with peer pressure, fitting in, and the challenges of teenage life.
Nostalgia filled the North Shore Music Theatre as audiences enjoyed the classic beat-boxing music of Grease. I always enjoy a good classic, especially when it’s popular among audiences. NSMT’s Grease is a lively, upbeat, and fun musical with a moral about being unafraid of who you are.
The talented cast fully embodies their characters. Grease has a notable list of characters who are all essential parts of the story. This is a show about dynamics. One of my favorite aspects of any show is watching characters interact with each other. Each person brings something unique to their character.
Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, played tremendously by Caroline Siegrist and Nick Cortazzo, fight against their friend group’s clashing opinions and self-image to see if they are worthy of a relationship. The pair incorporates a striking dynamic, especially in songs.
Each study the nuances of their characters. Sandy may appear good-natured, but she’s always ready to argue her case. She teaches audiences to never let anyone walk all over you. As for Danny, Cortazzo nails the swagger and smooth charm of the greaser, but I liked his subtle conflicts with the character. That’s an important part of Danny.
Bailey Reese Greemon is a standout as Betty Rizzo. Rizzo struts with toughness and is quick to jump at anyone who messes with her. However, she hides her insecurities under her leather jacket. “There Are Worse Things I Can Do’ is sung beautifully and with deep emotion by Greemon.
Grease has several supporting characters, who play the ‘Pink Ladies’ and the ‘T-Birds.’ Kathy St. George is a delight as Miss Lynch, who grounds chaos among the teenagers. An ensemble solidifies the show, dancing, singing, and playing other characters.
Get ready to see a car drive onstage! NSMT’s technical work continues to impress with a hardworking technical team transforming the stage into Rydel High. The technical elements, from costuming to colorful lighting, and clever set pieces added to the high-energy success. The costumes, hair, and makeup highlight the era with puffy skirts, leather jackets, and more.
A live orchestra conducted by Milton Granger creates the jukebox of songs that Grease is well-known for. Among the musical numbers, “Beauty School Dropout” was the audience favorite. “Greased Lightnin’,’ “We Go Together,” and the rocking finale, “You’re the One That I Want,” kept audiences humming and dancing in their seats.
NSMT’s round stage creates an immersive setting as the cast spills into the aisles. Kevin P. Hill not only directs a nostalgic show that delights audiences but also captures the message of what Grease is all about.
These high schoolers think they know each other (and themselves), but that’s only half the grease stain. Through the show's upbeat tunes and comedy, the characters are more than stereotypes - they’re reflections of high school’s lessons.
A lot of Grease fans sat in the audience. Two girls sitting in front of me were major Grease fans, singing, quoting, and dancing to the tunes. My favorite part of the evening was seeing a group of older women wearing ‘Pink Ladies’ jackets. Theater brings out the inner teenager in all of us.
Grease plays on the North Shore Music Theatre stage until August 24. It’s a night out of fun, heart, and a whole lot of rock ‘n roll!
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
Keep reading
More stories from Marielle Sabbag and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Theater Meets the Classroom in Gloucester Stage's 'No Child...'
Teachers make a difference. Gloucester Stage Company invites audiences to take their seats for No Child... a one-act play by Nilaja Sun. Ms. Sun, an enthusiastic teacher, is determined to make an impact at Malcolm X High School, one of the poorest schools in the U.S. district. She hopes to inspire her 10th-grade students in a six-week theatrical program, “Our Country’s Good.”
By Marielle Sabbag5 months ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters4 days ago in Geeks
Hunger Strikes
Hunger strikes are among the most powerful yet painful forms of protest known to human history. They rely not on loud slogans, weapons, or mass demonstrations, but on the quiet determination of individuals willing to put their own bodies at risk to demand change. Across different cultures, political systems, and eras, hunger strikes have been used to expose injustice, highlight ignored voices, and force conversations that authorities often try to avoid. At their core, hunger strikes are acts of moral resistance. When traditional channels—petitions, courts, negotiations, or media attention—fail to bring results, some individuals choose self-denial as a last resort. The decision is rarely impulsive. It often follows long periods of frustration, marginalization, or perceived betrayal by systems meant to protect human rights. The Historical Roots of Hunger Strikes Hunger strikes are not a modern invention. Ancient Irish tradition, known as troscadh, involved fasting at the doorstep of someone who had committed a wrong, placing moral pressure on them to resolve the issue. In India, fasting became a prominent political tool during the independence movement, most notably through Mahatma Gandhi, who used hunger strikes to promote nonviolence, unity, and social reform. In the 20th century, hunger strikes gained global visibility through labor movements, suffragettes, political prisoners, and civil rights activists. From British suffragettes demanding voting rights to prisoners protesting inhumane conditions, hunger strikes have consistently emerged in moments where people felt unheard and powerless. Why People Choose Hunger Strikes The decision to refuse food is deeply personal and often agonizing. Hunger strikers are usually aware of the physical consequences: weakness, organ damage, long-term health complications, and even death. Yet they proceed because they believe their suffering may force attention to a cause that would otherwise remain invisible. Hunger strikes are often chosen when protesters lack access to platforms of power. Prisoners, detainees, refugees, and marginalized activists frequently use this method because it does not require resources, numbers, or external approval. The body itself becomes the message. In many cases, hunger strikes are also meant to appeal to the conscience of the public. They ask observers to confront uncomfortable questions: Why would someone risk their life for this issue? What has failed so badly that this feels like the only option left? The Physical and Psychological Toll The effects of a hunger strike can appear quickly. Within days, the body begins to conserve energy, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. As time passes, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and organ strain become serious concerns. Long-term hunger strikes can cause irreversible damage, even if the person later resumes eating. Beyond the physical pain, hunger strikes carry an immense psychological burden. Isolation, fear, and uncertainty are common, especially when authorities refuse to engage or respond with force-feeding, a practice widely criticized by medical and human rights organizations. Hunger strikers often face the added stress of knowing their actions may deeply worry family members and supporters. Hunger Strikes and Media Attention Media coverage plays a critical role in the effectiveness of hunger strikes. When widely reported, they can generate public sympathy and pressure institutions to negotiate or reform. However, many hunger strikes go unnoticed, especially when they occur in prisons, detention centers, or regions with limited press freedom. This uneven visibility raises ethical concerns. Whose suffering is deemed newsworthy? Which causes receive empathy, and which are ignored? In the digital age, social media has helped amplify some hunger strikes, allowing supporters to share updates and mobilize international attention. Still, visibility does not guarantee results. Ethical Debates and Controversies Hunger strikes spark complex ethical debates. Supporters argue that individuals have the right to protest using their own bodies and that force-feeding violates bodily autonomy and human dignity. Critics worry that hunger strikes can manipulate public emotion or place unfair pressure on governments and institutions. Medical professionals are often caught in the middle, balancing their duty to preserve life with respect for patient autonomy. International guidelines generally emphasize informed consent and oppose force-feeding when individuals are mentally competent and fully aware of the risks. Do Hunger Strikes Work? The effectiveness of hunger strikes varies widely. Some have led to policy changes, prisoner releases, or renewed negotiations. Others have ended in tragedy without achieving their goals. Success often depends on public support, media attention, political context, and the willingness of authorities to compromise. Even when hunger strikes fail to produce immediate change, they can leave lasting impacts. They document resistance, inspire future movements, and serve as moral records of dissent. In many cases, they become symbols of courage that continue to influence public discourse long after they end. A Quiet Cry for Justice Hunger strikes remind us that protest does not always look the same. Sometimes it is loud and collective; other times it is silent and solitary. What unites all hunger strikes is a deep sense of urgency—a belief that something is so wrong it must be challenged, even at great personal cost. While hunger strikes should never be romanticized, they deserve serious attention and reflection. They reveal the cracks in systems of power and communication, showing us where dialogue has broken down. Ultimately, hunger strikes are not just about refusing food; they are about demanding dignity, recognition, and change in a world that too often looks away.
By Saboor Brohi 7 days ago in Geeks
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.