By Elisa Russell, staff writer

The house lights dim, the curtain rises, the music begins. The audience watches in anticipation.

Each spring, the Plainwell High School music department puts on a musical. Traditionally, the musical for that year is announced the same school year. However, this year’s musical, Grease, was announced not long after last year’s musical ended.

“Since we already had the rights secured before the end of last school year, I figured announcing it early would give everyone more time to start listening to the music, watching the movie, and getting EXCITED!“ said choir director Denise Beauchamp.

Grease differs drastically from last year’s The Wizard of Oz. Students seem to be quite excited for the change. “The vast majority of PHS students and families surveyed about what musical they’d like to see done here at PHS chose Grease as their top choice!” said Beauchamp.

“PHS hasn’t done this musical in many, many years – plus it’s a classic. It’s completely different from “The Wizard of Oz” and Fox just did a live version last winter, so many kids and adults have very recently been familiarized with the story and music,” said Beauchamp on why she chose Grease.

Since Beauchamp’s arrival two years ago, auditions have been opened up to the entire student body and the musicals have been more modern and well known.

Students are excited to take on one of the most iconic musicals of all time.

“I want to see the guys do Grease Lightning,’ said Brie Lopez ‘17.

“I’m excited just to perform it. It seems like it will be a lot of fun and just really energetic,” said Aryn Scholten ‘17.

Two mandatory informational meetings will take place on Nov. 7 and 8. All who hope to audition must attend one of these two meetings. In addition, an audition dance workshop will take place on Thursday Nov. 10.

Auditions will be held Monday Nov. 14 and Tuesday Nov. 15 with callbacks on Wednesday Nov. 16. Rehearsals start Nov. 28 with performances on March 24, 25, and 26.