Young cast adds energy to 'Grease'

May 3, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

YOUNGSTOWN

“Grease” is the word for Mother’s Day weekend, with Easy Street Productions staging the musical with a cast of kids between age 8 and 14.

It will be a family-friendly version of the musical that takes audiences back to Rydell High School in the 1950s. Performances will be Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m, and May 10 at 2:30 p.m. at Ford Family Recital Hall, downtown.

Cortney McKay will play the co-lead role of Sandy. Audiences might remember the 13-year-old because she also played the lead in Easy Street’s 2012 production of “Annie.”

Cortney had to switch gears to take on the adult role of Sandy, but the cast made the transition easier. “In this show, unlike in ‘Annie,’ most of the actors are about my age,” she explained. “There is more emotion in the singing and acting part of ‘Grease,’ but I have found that I relate well to the role of Sandy because my personality isn’t that far off from hers.”

Despite the young cast, Cortney said audiences can expect the same professionalism that characterizes all Easy Street shows. “Hopefully, our young energy will make ‘Grease’ that much more exciting,” she said. “Even though we are just kids, the talent in this show is exceptional, and I think people will be really impressed.”

There are a few adults in the show. Easy Street co-founders Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock play Principal Lynch and DJ Vince Fontaine, while James McClellan will sing “Beauty School Dropout.” Other musical numbers include “Hopelessly Devoted,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights” and “We Go Together.”

Hancock said no expense was spared on the sets, costumes and props. Call 330-743-8555 for tickets.