Cherry Hill High School West has a full lineup of locally inspired Teen Angel guest stars for its spring musical, “Grease.”
“We just confirmed Vince Papale as Teen Angel for Friday, Feb. 22,” said Carole Roskoph, student activities coordinator at West.
Papale will be seen at the 7:30 p.m. show.
Plus, she said, “American Idol” season 11 finalist Jermaine Jones will appear in the Sunday, Feb. 24 show; Ukee Washington of CBS3’s morning show will perform in the March 2 at 2 p.m. matinée’ and on March 2 at 7:30 p.m., Cantor Jen Cohen of Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill will take on the role.
The local celebrities were confirmed through social media outlets.
The teen angel comes down from heaven to belt out, “Beauty School Drop Out.”
When West decided to perform “Grease,” Roskoph was reminded of an experience she had in Philadelphia a couple years ago, when Taylor Hicks was advertised to perform in a showing of the musical.
“Taylor Hicks was literally on the stage for three minutes,” she said.
But it was enough to peak the audience’s interest.
“Tickets are $12, $10 for senior citizens and students,” said Roskoph, and are on sale now.
Rehearsals for the show began the first week after winter break, she said.
“Our kids are really talented,” Roskoph said. “They work really hard.”
“They’re accountable for what they do during the day time too,” she added.
Students involved in the play have to turn in grades and keep a C average in classes to keep their parts.
For students with grades below a C, there is mandatory study hall and peer tutors are provided through the National Honor Society.
“For us, school comes first,” she said.
One of the student actors, Zach Birnbaum, was recently featured on “American Idol,” but the day after the showing, he excitedly spoke to The Sun about his role in “Grease.”
The two-hour long 1950’s parody has a cast of 80 students.
“The unique angle is the Teen Angel,” Roskoph said. “That’s (usually) a student part.”
Show dates
“Grease” will be performed in Cherry Hill High School West’s new auditorium on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m., and Friday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Visit http://chwtheater.wordpress.com/ for more information.
