Performing Arts 

All too often these days you hear of many musicals being considered “fluff.” You know these shows, the kind where a musical number pops up for no apparent reasons, where a lifetime of struggle between lovers can be reconciled in one duet, and where the story is secondary to a slew of hummable tunes. We all grew up on these kinds of shows, and even though critics dismiss fluff musicals as merely popular inartistic trash, we love them. They have the power to leave a collective carefree smile on the audience’s face, and in these days of cynicism, maybe a light-hearted comedy is just what we need. Grease is exactly that kind of show and I can’t believe that this is the first time this show has been presented at Ringwood! 

Everyone knows the story and has seen the show on stage or on film innumerable times. It is truly a slice of pastiche American culture, and yes, it is fluff. But it is fluff in a good way, fluff which can reveal just as much about life and how to live it as any modern play. Sure, this musical is not very deep, but we never intended to put on a show that was. In 2021 we need some fun! 

Some musicals are important because they make you think in a profound way, and Grease is important because it does not make you think at all. This is a show designed to make you smile and laugh and relive some high school days, and in that capacity, it succeeds brilliantly. 

As a cast and crew, we have spent most rehearsals smiling and laughing, and I am sure that you will be able to see this on stage. 

For those that came along for the show , I invited them to enjoy the hi-jinks of our gang and smile up a storm. The hours this cast and crew have spent together dancing, joking, singing, acting, and even partying have been unbelievably amazing, and I know that none of us would ever give up the bonding and excitement we have all shared. We shared all that excitement and resiliance with you. So we hope you enjoyed it. 

2020 was a tricky year for RSC Productions, so this year we celebrate the achievement of not only actually staging a production but staging our second production after the iconic High School Musical was performed by our amazing Middle School students in Term 1. 

I would like to give a genuine and hearty THANK YOU to all who helped out with sets, painting, wigs, costumes, singing, make up, props, cars, lighting, sound, shoes, gaffa tape, ushering, OHS, encouraging, engineering, gelling hair, organising tickets and hundreds of other elements that make up this massive college event that has been embraced by such a supportive community. 

A wop bop-a lu-bop…

Karl McNamara

Director of Performing Arts