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Dear Friends of the Theater,

It is with great pleasure we finally get to say: "Welcome Back!"  The pandemic's many months highlighted the delicate nature of what it takes to put on a live performance and all the pieces that must come together to allow the alchemy that is theatre to work its magic.  At last, we are ready to raise the curtain once again, but there is one final, vital ingredient needed: "You!"

We simply could not be here without you.  Our hallowed theatre has missed your laughs, your tears, your clapping hands, your mobile phone ringing in the middle of the most dramatic part of the show (so please remember to silence your mobile device) and even your crinkling of candy!  We have waited far to long to be with you again.  With that said, we are proud to present to you our Honesdale High School Musical production of GREASE!

GREASE opened Off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972, but was deemed eligible for the 1972 Tony Awards, and received seven Tony Award nominations.  The 1994 revival also garnered Tony nominations and the show went on to a successful national tour.

Here is Rydell High's senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding "Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their "Summer Nights" as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as "Greased Lightnin'," "It's Raining on Prom Night," "Sandy" and many more recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.

After Broadway, Grease became a movie that we all know and love; opening 44 years ago and it is a testament to the music and the iconic characters that GREASE is still the word today. The best part of this quintessentially American high school story (aside from the music, of course) is what Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, Frenchy and the rest of the Rydell High gang taught us – that the people who really care about you will stay by your side no matter how different you are from one another, and support you just the same whether you’re a pom-pom-wielding goody-two-shoes, a leather-touting boys or a starry-eyed, pink-haired aspiring beautician who drops out of school months before graduation.

We are grateful for our board of directors, administrators, teachers, students, parents, production assistants, stage crew members, community, and the generous support of our Season Sponsorships.  We hope that you will patronize these businesses in show of your support as they have supported the arts in our community!

The spirit of collaboration has always been a hallmark of Honesdale.  We believe, with our board of directors, that the Wayne Highlands School District is proud of our success in the area of the three “A’s” Academics, Arts, and Athletics.  Education is a lifelong endeavor. The arts provide opportunities to use valuable critical thinking skills and explore diverse perspectives. For sixty-three years, Honesdale High School Performing Arts have helped define our community both on stage and off.

Thank you for your attendance and support at this performance.  Now, sit back, relax, and get ready, as we bring the best of Broadway to you through our student musical productions.  Patrons like you make the Center’s presentations possible when the lights go down and the curtain goes up. 

Sincerely yours,

Scott D. Miller
Executive Director