Foreign school to stage Grease

By John Redmond

What does a teacher do when a group of students want to connect to a community through a popular medium? Put on a concert, school play or a combination of both ― a musical.

The 1971 musical Grease, by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, is being staged at Kwangjin-gu Teenage Community Center for one performance only.

The May 25 show starting at 6:30 p.m. will be presented by the Korea Kent Foreign School (KKFS) drama club.

Originally inspired by the American working-class youth subculture of the 1950s known as the “greasers,” the musical was a logical choice when dealing with teenagers, according to the director Jennifer Boyd.

“I wanted something that the students and their peers could connect with,” said Boyd.

The show tackles youth social issues by following a group of teenagers as they navigate the complexities of love and responsibility.

Living in Korea for over seven years, Boyd said the show will appeal to not only foreigners but also members of the local community.

“The themes and issues are universal. The students are proud to present this work to their friends,” she said.

Though often staged with a live band, this one-off show will use a prerecorded soundtrack. The singing will be live.

Featuring an international cast of students from KKFS, Boyd stressed that the musical is suitable to all. KKFS was founded in 1993.

Kwangjin-gu Teenage Community Center is located across the street from exit 2 of Gwangnaru station (Line 5). Tickets are by donation.