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ABOUT THE SHOW:

Grease is a musical set in the late 1950s that follows the high school romance between "greaser" Danny Zuko and transfer student Sandy Olsson. After a summer fling, they unexpectedly reunite for their senior year at Rydell High, where they must navigate clique pressures, personal insecurities, and social dynamics to be together. 

NOTE: This production is based on the "School Version" so it is fine for children. The majority (90-95%) of the inappropriate language, innuendos and storylines have been excluded.

ABOUT THE TEAM:

MR. MITCHELL WEINBAUM, DIRECTOR:

Mitchell Weinbaum is an accomplished theater director, award-winning independent filmmaker, and the Director of Stratford High Drama Society’s production of Grease. As the Executive Director of Stratford’s Take Part Theater Company, he has dedicated his career to inspiring young talent through these creative arts. This production marks Mitchell’s fifth at Stratford High School, following his direction of Leading Ladies, NEWSIES, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Little Shop of Horrors. He is thrilled to work alongside such a talented cast and crew and looks forward to bringing this rocking and energetic musical to life on stage.

MRS. MEGAN BONNEAU MCCOOL, CHOREOGRAPHER & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

For more than three decades, Megan has been a dedicated ballet instructor, guest lecturer, and award-winning choreographer, working across pre-professional studios, colleges, and schools throughout the Northeast. A former dancer with the New York City Ballet, and Mae L. Wein Award recipient from the School of American Ballet, she holds an M.F.A. in Dance from Smith College. Through her choreography, teaching, and active role in the arts community, she strives to bring depth, artistry, and real-world experience to every space she enters, guiding young performers as they grow into thoughtful, skilled, and imaginative artists. She is thrilled to work with this year’s remarkable cast and crew, and is inspired by this passionate, collaborative team of Grease.

MR. JOHN ALLEN WATTS, MUSIC DIRECTOR & ACCOMPANIST:

John is a classically trained pianist and composer with decades of experience across a diverse range of styles, including pop, rock, blues, R&B, reggae, and Brazilian jazz. A native New Yorker, his deep passion for storytelling through music naturally led him to musical theatre. He holds a B.A. in Music Theory and Composition from Brown University and an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.John's latest work, The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical, created in collaboration with Jason Huza, is set to premiere in December 2026 at the Patriots Theatre — a 1,800-seat landmark venue in Trenton — marking the 250th anniversary of Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware. Accompanying the production is The Crossing Classroom, an educational initiative featuring concert versions of the musical and resource guides for grades 3–12, designed to bring history off the page and onto the stage. John also serves as theatrical composer and musical director at the Lucy Moses School's Summer Musical Theatre Workshop in New York City, where he mentors aspiring performers. He is a proud member of ASCAP, CTI, and the Dramatists Guild.

MS. EMILY PISARRA, VOCAL DIRECTOR

Em is thrilled to be back for another year at Stratford High. She previously worked with the Take Part Theater team music directing Newsies and Ride the Cyclone, as well as directing Disney’s Dare to Dream. Em has been acting locally for over 20 years and was most recently seen as Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown at Curtain Call. Em also spent two years working with the Downtown Cabaret’s Children’s Theater as a company swing as well as playing roles such as Bella Donna in Sleeping beauty and Joy in Santa Story 3. Em also produces Nature Theater at Earth Place in Westport, as well as teaching at RCA. Thank you to the fantastic creative team and fabulous cast of Grease for another great year! 

MR. DAMIEN SOLER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
Damien Soler is a Stratford-raised Mechanical Engineer and the Technical Director of Leading Ladies. He works as an engineer for UPS in Stratford and also serves as Chief Technical Officer of Take Part Theater Company. Drawing on years of technical and theatrical experience, Damien has previously served as Technical Director for Stratford High productions including Leading Ladies, Newsies, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Little Shop of Horrors, as well as numerous other shows throughout the region. He’s thrilled to return to the Stratford High stage and help make this production something truly special.

DR. MARK RYAN, ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR:

Mark Ryan has been directing the orchestra for the Stratford High Drama Society since 1998. He has many wonderful memories from past productions and is making more beautiful memories now. Mark plays drums professionally and has played many musicals throughout his career. He is excited to be part of this fabulous production of Grease!

MS. KATHLEEN MURPHY, PRODUCER:
Kathleen Murphy marks her 18th year working with the SHS Drama Society. She spent many years as a director and co-producer for both the fall play and the spring musical, before taking a step back in 2023 to just producing. She is a math teacher who loves theater and enjoys having the best of both worlds at SHS. Grease is one of her favorite musicals, having been on stage for two different productions of it back in her college days and then shortly thereafter. She hopes the SHS Drama Society finds as much joy and fun being part of this show as she did so long ago - and she knows the audience will enjoy it for sure!! 

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