Upon entering the auditorium on Friday, April 18, I was skeptical of what I was about to witness. It was the opening night of the Lake Central Theater Company’s musical Grease, and I was dubious that it would live up to my expectations I had after years of watching John Travolta and Olivia Newton John dance around my television screen.

My fears were put to rest within the first 30 seconds of the musical’s beginning. Never have I heard an audience respond to a “please turn off your cell phones” speech like the one given that night. Miss Lynch, played by junior Emily Watson, had the crowd hooting with laughter with her accent and mannerisms.

Act one introduced the two main characters of Danny and Sandy, whose love story the play features. It also established the rest of the main characters, including the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds, as well as the “nerds” of the play, Patty and Eugene.

As the play continued on, a major fear I had was laid to rest. I had been worried that the play would mimic exactly the versions that I had seen previously. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case.

The actors of the play presented the material in a fresh, new way. I also enjoyed seeing and listening to parts and songs not included in the movie.

The singing in the musical truly astounded me. Some soloists such as Doody, sophomore Tyler Mills, and Marty, sophomore Jordan Butkus, shocked me with robust voices that I never could have imagined. Seniors Colette Herald and Aubree Adams also both gave me chills as they finished their respective solos.

If there was one element that rose above all the rest, it would most definitely be the singing throughout the entire play.

Overall I found this rendition of Grease to be highly entertaining and delightful. The singing was superb, the acting amazing and the dancing delightful.

The next round of performances will take place May 1, 2 and 3 with all shows starting at 7 p.m.