GREASE

Director: Renate O’Sullivan

Musical Director: Lee Clark

Choreographers: Tayla Marie Cassells and Jess Ruck-Nu’u

Vocal Directors: Moshe Merz and Jess Ruck-Nu’u

Rototuna Senior High School

15-22 August 2025

Leo Steffert as Danny Zuko and Izzy McGuinness as Sandy Dumbrowski. Image: Sudhir Duppati

It has been seven years since Rototuna Senior High School has produced a musical. This means several cohorts missed the opportunity to perform at all. Enter stage right, Renate O’Sullivan, who has made it her mission since 2022 to foster a vibrant Performing Arts culture.

With four of the five creatives having worked together on Hamilton Operatic Society’s 2024 Hunchback of Notre Dame, they had already established a solid foundation in order to execute an adept production of Grease.  

Sandy and the Pink Ladies were beautifully cast, each playing to their strengths. They were sassy and delivered their lines confidently. Likewise, Danny and the T-Birds were also well-cast. They continually moved in unison and gave the impression of a tight-knit group of friends. They had developed their characters, playing on the distinct personalities of the misfit gang.

Generally, I do not name names when reviewing school productions but there was one performer in particular who deserves a mention. Finn McDonald as Kenickie stole the show with his stage presence, acting chops, voice, and in a surprising twist, an epic guitar solo during “Grease Lightning.” The bios in the programme did not provide any background information on any of the cast or ensemble, but the school website states that Year 12 McDonald “opened at Auckland’s Spark Arena for the Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra where he played to a crowd of thousands.” No wonder he took the sold-out opening night performance of Grease in his stride, absolutely shredding it.

Finn McDonald as Kenickie with the T-Birds. Image: Sudhir Duppati

A static U-shaped staircase formed the back of the set, and in front were huge letters spelling out Grease. Individually each of these letters became backdrops for various scenes, rolled on or off, and when pivoted showed an entirely different façade. Scene changes were slick, and the band’s underscoring moved the pace along. The seating blocks were in a V-shape allowing for the choreographers to create interesting formations.

The entire cast and ensemble appeared to thoroughly enjoy the large, choreographed scenes. “Grease” and “Born to Hand Jive” were crowd favourites. Tayla Marie Cassells and Jess Ruck-Nu’u had created lively routines that contained plenty of authentic ‘50s dance moves.

Moshe Merz and Ruck-Nu’u had empowered the students to find their voices and there were some striking solos and harmonies. A talented seven-piece band plus two backing singers provided the music under the baton of Lee Clark who also managed a cameo as the Teen Angel, thrilling the audience. All the musicians seemed elated to play for an appreciative crowd.

Izzy McGuinness as Sandy and Riley Jardim as Frenchy. Image: Sudhir Duppati

O’Sullivan might be my person of the year for seeing this project through to fruition. Staging a school musical is a big commitment, and with no recent productions to draw from, every aspect must have started from scratch. Grease was a polished and high-energy show that was entertaining from start to finish with some clever direction that made excellent use of the school’s current talent.

Seven years, a seven-piece band, and 7pm evening performances so here’s seven other reasons in no particular order to see RSHS’s production.

One: The cast and ensemble – their enthusiasm was infectious

Two: The choreography – well-rehearsed and effective

Three: The set – simple but clever

Four: The crew – efficient and hardworking

Five: Greased Lightning – the song, the car, the guitar solo!

Six: Ticket prices – excellent value for money

Seven: To support O’Sullivan’s ethos of championing the Arts at the school.

Rototuna Senior High School, I can't wait to see what's next.

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