GREASE

Two weeks ago 40 Tarawera High School students performed the musical Grease four times over three days to over 1500 members of the Kawerau community. To try and summarise the work put in by all of the cast and production team is very difficult. As directors of the show we aimed to set a high and professional standard for the cast in order to produce a finished product: they, their whanau and the community would be proud of. Without question the students rose to the challenge. We are immensely proud of what the students achieved and thank everyone who made the show possible. Here are some thoughts from the cast looking back on the show- Mr A Pritchard, Miss D Hocken & Miss T Hoskins

“From day one of Grease we have loved the experience, we have got to know a lot of people. On the first rehearsal it was full on and a bit scary but we loved it. Our first evening performance was so scary, we were all so nervous but al the rehearsals paid off. We have learnt a lot from all the teachers and cast and would love to do production next year.”- Kimiora Tahana (Yr 7), Mania Keepa & Kalani Ruri (Yr 8)

“I felt the production was a fun, exciting and enthralling experience. Our cast was picked perfectly, and our directors were very positive throughout the show. The show taught me that patience is a virtue, and that with positive forces we can achieve great things if we all work together.”- Rhys Jones who played Sonny (Yr11)

“I really enjoyed playing Eugene because it was a different style of acting for me to try. The cast were all supportive and amazing and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”- Samuel McCarthy who played Eugene (Yr 11)

“Being part of the Grease Production was a great experience. Playing in the band was an absolute joy, being able to contribute to the last ever production performed in the hall before it is demolished. Over all, it was a great time being able to work alongside the cast and crew.”- Bless Maxwell- guitarist for the production band (Yr 12)

“I am truly thankful for the experience that was given to me. Grease has made my last year at Tarawera High School so memorable. I am also thankful for the great cast I worked with; every member of the team will never leave my heart. ‘Kaua kia kawea mai tetahi mea a koutou ki raro I te mea aroha koutou mahi I”- Jaz Wiremu who played Sandy (Yr 13)

“I’ve been very nervous in the past to talk and act in front of others, but Grease has given me the confidence to be on stage. Grease has given many of us the opportunity to make new, close friends with people we wouldn’t normally talk to around school. This experience has brought both seniors and juniors closer together.”- Darryl-Lea Greenfield who played Frenchy (Yr 13)

“The production of Grease 2014 was a very enjoyable experience. Not only has my overall confidence been built up but specifically my confidence at singing in front of people. I have become a lot closer with the people who were in the production, people of all ages and this makes school a lot better. This was my first experience of being in a big production and it was amazing and I would like to do more. It has helped me so much.”-  Connaire Alcock who played Kenickie (Yr 13)

“Grease was amazing. For me personally it was the people involved with the show that made the whole experience life changing. It was worth all the hard work on opening night. I fed off the energy the crowd gave me and they fed off the energy I gave to them. Performing live is like a hard core cross fit workout. I love this type of challenge and I love the fact that I can provide quality entertainment for the families of my community to enjoy. With all the confidence, friendships and leadership I have gained from my experience with production I know that I have an awesome bunch of old and new friends that will support me just as much as I will support them. I will never forget my experiences in THS, and most of all I will never forget the experiences and friendships I have made in production.”- Kath Frewen who played Rizzo (Yr 13)

“Being part of the school production has been such a mind blowing experience. Forming tight relationships with people I have never socialized with in my time at school was really something different. I started off trying to avoid rehearsals but after a while my character grew on me and then I experienced the thrill of performing to a live audience. I have come to the realization that trying something different may have been the best decision I could have ever made.”- Asa Wimutu who played Danny (Yr 13)