Mount Lourdes' 2009 production of Grease has been a tremendous success! Here are some of the after-thoughts from some members of the cast.

When I received the role as Rizzo in Grease I never thought it would have been as incredible as it was. I remember walking into school on the first day, very anxious. I had never acted in my life before, never mind the prospect of having to put on an American accent! But we all seemed to gel so well together. It was so strange for the first couple of days but in no time we had all become used to each other and the acting got better and better.

I have so many memories that I’m sure will never be forgotten. One of my favourite memories is when I realized for the first time that Miss Owens’ name is Annette and so I had to sing (while pointing and winking), “would ya pull that stuff with Annette?!” to her every time.

Getting the microphones was so exciting and made me feel very professional. I can say that when we first had the sound check that that was when it clicked with me that we were actually going to be on stage performing rather than in the assembly hall with a car made out of chairs.

I loved the feeling before going on stage. There was such excitement mixed with nerves and apprehension, and of course worrying whether or not I still had lipstick on my teeth.

For me, the main thing I got out of Grease was a new confidence in myself and some of the friendships that were made, for me I hope will last forever.

Claire 'Rizzo' Maguire

Grease is still the word...

Back in May, who would’ve thought I would be on stage performing eight sell out shows. My primary reason for auditioning was for my confidence. I thought to myself, “If I don’t do this now, when will I?”

Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve made in my life so far. The feeling you get when the audience laugh at your line, or something that you do, it’s indescribable. The buzz that you get after each show, after adrenaline has been pumping for nearly 2 hours or more, is unreal. I have made friends here that I never otherwise would have met and we are and always will be ‘The Greasers’.  Quoting Mrs Rice, “We’ve made some memories here that will last a lifetime.”

Grease withdrawal is extremely painful. It can only be described as parent child separation. It’s still hard to believe that it’s all over, to think it only started a few short months ago.

Caitriona 'Jan' McCarron

Being a main role in Grease was both an honour and a privilege. Having gone through the audition process, the day arrived for us to start rehearsing. The last two weeks of August were jam packed of rehearsals most days, the weekends and mornings when school began again in September.

Over time we all got to know each other and the fun and laughter started! The acting, dancing and singing of all the cast took time to develop and get to performance standard but it was all worth all the time and hard work when we were up on stage and loving every minute of it.

There are so many memories that we all have, from the “10 minute break” that ended up being an hour spent in Kennys and driving around town with the Grease CD on full blast! Mark and his glasses, Tim and James’ unique version of Rock n’ Roll Party Queen haha and the daily slaggin’ matches that went on…I know that none of it will ever be forgotten.

The months spent rehearsing all became a reality on the opening night. We were all so nervous but the second we went on stage it was all forgotten and we savoured every second.

The amazing memories and friendships made because of Grease I know will last a very long time.

Maeve 'Suzy' McKeever