Tallassee High School's new performing arts center will be put to use for the first time as the setting for a Broadway show.
In this case, however, the "Broadway" performers come from the student body at Tallassee High School.
On Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m., and Monday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m., Tallassee High School students will take audiences back to the Rydell High School Class of 1959 with a staging of "Grease."
The play is directed by Adrian Lee Bush, who has a long history of working with Tallassee students. She has directed the musicals "Bye Bye Birdie," "High School Musical," "The Music Man," "Guys and Dolls," and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" with THS students.
"The last time we staged a musical, it was in 2019, pre-Covid," said Michael Bird, one of the music teachers at Tallassee High School. "None of the students in our school today were around the last time we did a musical, so we were very determined to bring it back as soon as we moved in to our new auditorium."
Bird also praised the administration and board of education for Tallassee City Schools for giving the community a state-of-the-art facility that was worth the wait.
"Our entire town owes a huge debt of gratitude to (superintendent) Dr. Nolin, our school board members, (principal) Mr. Glass, and all the people who were part of planning this beautiful performing arts facility," Bird said. "I think audiences will be truly amazed. There is a cyclorama at the back of the stage and we are projecting scenery onto it during the show. We have state-of-the-art lighting and p.a. equipment, and Jordan Cunningham with Sound & Stuff is on hand to make us look and sound great."
Bird and his teaching partners Kelley Hill and Robby Glasscock were responsible for putting the music together with the students, and will be part of a live band accompanying the actors, singers, and dancers. The show is choreographed by Adrian Bush, Sarah Jane Patterson, and Maggie Gilroy.
"Our music department is loaded with great students, and it's been a real privilege to latch on to their stars for a while. These kids have deserved a facility like this for a long time, and have produced quality productions in the old gym and the old auditorium for years. I really hope people will make the time to come see what these students can do in our new performance space," Bird said.
Tickets are $15.00 at the door, or available using the Go Fan links: