Dale Pengelly lends his talents to Grease

(posted 17.03.11)

Grease is only one of the words in Matthew Flinders Anglican College’s musical production this year.

At the very first meeting, discussion turned to the choice of choreographer. After the success of Westside Story in 2009, the production staff knew they needed a choreographer who could work with the students to bring out the best in them and create an amazing experience for everyone who comes to see Grease.

So Mr Dale Pengelly, the original Boy from Oz and a renowned theatre performer and director, was approached and luckily, he agreed!

“I knew that Dale Pengelly would be the perfect choice as our choreographer for Grease,” said Director and Flinders Head of Drama, Ms Melissa White. 

“Having previously worked with Dale in an acting capacity, I had firsthand experience of his incomparable talent, enthusiasm and professionalism. I am so thrilled to be working with Dale again . . .  he is such a dream to work with.

“I believe our students are incredibly lucky to be working with Dale - he has such a wealth of experience and knows how to relate to students of all ages.”

Starting in the Australian Ballet School, dabbling with Aussie greats such as David Atkins, Paul Mecurio and David Macallister and playing a vast myriad of roles in musical theatre, Dale still has no qualms about getting back to the foundation of it all - high school. 

As a choreographer, his obvious skills perfected in professional productions including As the World Goes Round with Maria Mercedes, Jodies Gillies and Todd McKenny, he excels with not only terrific moves but a great enthusiasm which, students have found, is infectious.

“It’s a great joy to learn from him; his enthusiasm makes practice lively,” said Year 12 student Holly Daniels, who will play Sandy, the role made famous by Olivia Newton-John.

Grease will be performed from May 26 to 28 at the Nambour Civic Centre.  The students will be singing and dancing to the classics such as Summer Nights, Born to Hand Jive and Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee - and they’re counting down the days already.

“I find Dale is a huge help when learning ‘chorie’ because he really knows how to relate to us [teenagers].  His positive energy really inspires me to push myself.  I’m often surprised by how his influence makes me improve as a performer,” said Year 12 student Kristian Heijkoop, who will play Danny.

Tickets will be available from the Nambour Civic Centre from early May (prices $26 for adults, $18 student/concession and $24 groups of 10).

Matthew Flinders Anglican College productions have sold out in the past eight years and this year should be no exception – so make sure you secure your tickets as soon as they go on sale.

- story by Xanthe Milton, Theatre Captain

Sunshine Coast Daily story

Hopelessly devoted to Grease

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