Guilford principal joins students in school musical
 APRIL 24, 2009 – Mike Valentine dons a white tuxedo and Viking blue vest and descends the center-stage staircase singing “Beauty School Dropout” in the Guilford High School production of “Grease,” which opened Thursday night and continues through Sunday.
Director Melissa Wolf asked Guilford’s principal to join the cast to create extra buzz and because “Grease” tradition calls for a prominent name to assume the Teen Angel role played by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 film version. Valentine attended the final week of rehearsals, and the 100 students working on the show – 70 of them on stage -- managed to keep his cameo a secret.
“On opening night, when he appeared on stage and sang the first three notes, there was just an uproar – thunderous applause and a standing ovation,” Wolf said of the audience’s response. The show’s program identified Valentine only as “Mystery Guest.”
Valentine, in his first year as Guilford principal, is no stranger to the stage. As a student at Boylan High School in the mid-1980s, he performed in several shows, including “Brigadoon” as Fiona’s father. While an assistant principal at East High School, Valentine played scheming talent agent Max Detweiler in “The Sound of Music” when the director couldn’t find a student for the role.
In “Grease,” Valentine sings “Beauty School Dropout” to senior Brittany Davis in the role of Frenchy. Leading the cast as Sandy is junior Jessica Benson, who has starred in several All-City Theater shows and had the distinction this year of appearing in the All-State production of “Hairspray.” Playing the part of Danny opposite Benson is junior Tyler Anderson in his maiden theatrical endeavor.
Remaining performances are at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students at the door. |
