University High presents ‘Grease’
A cast of 40 from University High School will bring the popular musical “Grease” to the stage beginning next week.
“Grease” tells the story of the romance between Rydell High School’s popular Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Dumbrowski. Set in the 1950s rock ‘n’ roll era, the musical includes energetic song-and-dance numbers, including “Greased Lightnin’,” “Beauty School Dropout,” and “Summer Nights.”
Danny is played by 10th-grade student Jordan Taylor, and 12th-grade student Makenzie Mumford takes on the role of Sandy. Kacie Campbell, Jessica Arp, Leanne Fran and Nikki Petrilli play the Pink Ladies. Brandon Bademian, William Dowling, Brenden Marlin and Patrick Wolfe represent the Burger Palace Boys. Breanna Duffy portrays the cheerleader Patty and Brett Vlahovich plays nerdy Eugene.
The performances run 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and April 18 and 19 at the University High School Theatre, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Additionally, a 2 p.m. matinee is set for next Saturday, April 12. Tickets are available through the school’s business office and at the door for $7.
The production is directed and choreographed by Briane Green, U-Hi’s drama and language arts teacher. Director of choirs Russell Seaton is the show’s music director. For more information, call 228-5254.
Spokane Valley students take home art awards
Artists from the Spokane Valley won several times over in a regional art contest for high school students.
East Valley High School students in teacher Pam Smith’s class earned top awards. The students’ work in the Educational Service District 101 Regional High School Art Competition is on display at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library through April 14.
This year’s results for the East Valley art program are as follows:
ESD 101 Superintendents Best of Show Choice Award – Ariel Erickson, pastel drawing “Serenity in Strings”
ESD 101 Staff Best of Show Choice Award – Anna Somers, acrylic, “Memories”
Platinum Award winners, a first-place award given to those students who choose not to sell their projects as part of state-level consideration – Angela Bean, pastel drawing, “Cody”; Ariel Erickson, pastel drawing, “Don’t Pose, Just Talk”; Anna Somers, acrylic, “Memories”; Diana Matveyeva, pastel drawing, “Self Portrait”; Jenni Smasne, pastel drawing, “After Ballet Class”
First-place awards (These students will move on to state in Olympia) – Ariel Erickson, pastel drawing, “Serenity in Strings”; Ame Evey, clay sculpture, “Anorexia”; Ame Evey, pen and ink, “Fear or Indifference”; Colleen Bowerman, pastel drawing, “Finding Home”; Chrissy Turner, pastel drawing, “Oppositely Inclined”; Kaylee Jamison, pastel drawing, “Pay Attention”; Lori Bourgeous, pastel drawing, “Reminiscence”; Kiki Xiong, pastel drawing, “Reflections”; Tonya Strong, graphite drawing, “Dreams”
Second-place winners – Chelsea Lee, pastel drawing, “Self Portrait”; Diana Matveyeva, pastel drawing, “Nadie”; Kiki Xiong, pastel drawing, “Tulip”; Ryleigh Riggin, pastel drawing, “Rae Rae”; Shelby Bean, clay sculpture, “Kuro”
Third-place winners – Annie Burrow, graphite drawing, “A Friendly Face”; Josh Patton, prisma color pencils, “Guitar”; Kelsey Jamison, pastel drawing, “Maddie”
Honorable Mention – Marissa Nickerson, graphite drawing, “What’s His Emo Face.
The artwork of four Central Valley High School students also was recognized among the 305 pieces at the ESD 101 Regional High School Art Show. Two 11-grade students were each awarded first place for their artwork: Rachel Hollenbeck for her untitled work and Dustin Meier for “Plane Scene.” Eleventh-grade student Michael LaFranchise received third place for “Desert Nights” and 12th-grader Natalie Springel was awarded third place for “Self Portrait Green.”
Hollenbeck’s and Meier’s works will be displayed with the other first-place winners in Olympia as part of the state high school art competition. The Washington Superintendent’s 35th annual High School Art Show will be on display at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction from April 21 through May 28.
The ESD 101 regional first-place awarded art pieces are sent to the State Art Show in Olympia, with winning entries there purchased for permanent collection by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.