Cabrillo Stage Presents A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story: ‘Grease’, By Mindy Pedlar • Court Appointed Special Advocates: New Graduates Sworn In

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Stage Presents A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story: ‘Grease’

By Mindy Pedlar

Cassie Nordgren directs and choreographs Cabrillo Stage’s summer production of Grease. She comes from a very musical family. Not only are her father and uncles musicians, her mother owns and operates an acclaimed dance academy near Oakland.

Cassie took her first official dance class at age 3, but she began giving recitals at home as soon as she could walk.

In Cassie’s words, “Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I think I first realized my love of storytelling on stage in 7th grade when I was cast as Clara in The Nutcracker. It was my first time being on stage for more than a 3-minute song, and I LOVED it. I am not sure if I fully recognized Clara’s character arc at that point in my theatrical journey, but I remember enjoying being a character as much as dancing a character.”

When asked which choreography award has been most meaningful, she replied that it’s more about the project than the award.

“I have twice had the opportunity to collaborate with Michael Butler, the former artistic director of Center REP in Walnut Creek,” she explained. “He is wonderfully quirky and creative. I was brought in to choreograph transitions on David Ives’ adaptation of The Liar. Under Michael’s direction, I got to choreograph these wildly fun scene changes that turned the cast into rock stars using ‘60s French pop songs, all

Cassie Nordgren

while moving pieces of scenery. To receive an “Outstanding Choreography” nomination by Theatre Bay Area for my work on the transitions in that play was just the cherry on top of an extremely rewarding experience. “

Cassie also is an accomplished director in the process of obtaining a master’s degree in directing from Baylor University.

In describing her artistic vision for Grease, Cassie says, “There are two big ideas guiding this production. The first is nostalgia. Most people don’t know this, but the script of Grease actually starts at a high school reunion with Miss Lynch, Eugene, and Patty welcoming everyone and reminiscing about the years gone by. It’s a weak framing device, but I have chosen not to cut it because I think it is a great reminder that this show is looking back in time, at an era when life was simple and music was rockin.’ There are some things that the characters do or say in this show that we as humans living in 2022 wouldn’t do or say today. The second idea is acceptance. Universally, that is what high school is about, right? Learning to accept yourself and doing crazy things so others will accept you.

Of course, the power of Grease is that the music is accepting of everyone at any age. Under those two umbrellas, there is a lot to play with and a lot of fun to be had, especially with our amazingly talented cast.”

The choreography will be original (though you might recognize a bit of the hand-jive). Cassie guarantees that this production will have the same song and dance numbers you love, but also offer plenty of surprises. She wants the audience to feel both nostalgic and inspired by this fresh take on a familiar story.

Grease runs Thursday through Sunday, June 23, through July 10 at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. Tickets may be purchased individually or at a discounted rate for the season, which includes Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.

Tickets are currently available online at cabrillostage.com. The Box Office opens for phone and walk-in sales Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. beginning June 3. n

Court Appointed Special Advocates: New Graduates Sworn In

On May 19, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Timothy Schmal swore in 13 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. All 13 had completed CASA’s 35-hour training program. CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advocates

Jaheidi Reyes who are matched one on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with the court.

As officers of the court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are

From Left: Asia Hwan, Michele Helene Mckee, Alexandra M Beltran, staff member Puiyee Tse, Meghan Reilly, trainer Roxy Greenspan, Rhonda Lynne Carvalho, staff member Karen Silva, trainer Jenny Hundemer, Pia Dori Morabia, Pushya Faith Wahl, Barbara Durham Park-Lee, Victoria Louise Granger-Jones, Cynthia Kent-Mills, Helene R Weil, Renee Aplustill, and Judge Timothy Schmal

recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

There is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, however, people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are encouraged to learn more. n For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, call Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer