'Grease' is the word for Lincoln Unified School District's latest summer production

Over the past eight weeks, Kylie Dahl says she has mastered her Pink Ladies persona.

The incoming senior at Lincoln High School is one of nearly 50 students helping bring "Grease: The Musical" to stage this month as part of Lincoln Unified School District's summer theatre program.

Based on the classic film, "Grease" tells the story of greaser Danny Zuko and Australian student Sandy Olsson, who transfers to Danny's high school after a summer romance. Danny is the leader of the T-Birds, a group of black leather jacket-wearing greasers while Sandy spends her time with the Pink Ladies, a group of pink-wearing girls led by Betty Rizzo.

Dahl, who portrays Rizzo in Lincoln Unified's adaptation, is not new to acting. She is an alumna of Don Riggio School, which upholds a reputation as a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) school by designating an arts block for every student, and giving each one the opportunity to perform in a musical theatre production.

Although Dahl has stage experience, she said her role as the sarcastic and tough Rizzo is challenging her acting chops.

"I'm very opposite Rizzo," Dahl said with a laugh. "Having to learn how to be like her has been a little difficult, but I think I've almost nailed it."

With "Grease," the summer theatre program is continuing its resurgence at Lincoln Unified School District.

Through the program, students come together to put on performances of popular productions for community members. Auditions are typically held in early May, with eight weeks of rehearsals taking place in May and June, and shows happening in July.

All students in the district are eligible to participate, regardless of grade or school.

The summer theatre program had been a staple at Lincoln Unified for years, but lost its funding in 2002 and became dormant. Thanks to a three-year grant sought out by Lori Green, associate superintendent of education services, the program was revived in 2023 when students performed "Legally Blonde: The Musical."

Lincoln High School drama teacher Chrissy Contino directed "Legally Blonde" last year and is now at the helm of "Grease." She said the recently obtained grant is allowing Lincoln Unified to replenish funding into the summer theatre program's account, but the district will have to sustain the program itself by summer 2026.

In order for that to happen, Contino said community support is necessary.

"The more people that come to the show, the more money we make, the stronger the fund is, the more sustainable we become," she said.

"Legally Blonde" was able to raise just under $10,000 after six performances last year, according to Contino. The drama teacher said it's a "healthy start" and she's hoping to match that amount this summer. She's eager to see the program succeed because she believes it creates a safe environment for students, and can benefit them academically and professionally.

"Programs like this allow students to surprise themselves," Contino said. "They make discoveries about their abilities and they learn so much about the creative process. It fosters a sense of pride in themselves that is really important for all of their other endeavors."

For Dahl, the program is beneficial because it has allowed her to meet new people and make new memories.

"This cast has been really easy to bond with," Dahl said. "Everyone's really nice and our out of rehearsal moments with each other have been my favorite part. I feel like I've found a bunch of new friends."

She's eager to perform on stage in front of a live audience.

"I'm looking forward to opening night and telling the story, because it's such an iconic story, and letting everyone see the little twists we've made with our characters and all of the hard work we've put into the show this summer," Dahl said.

How to attend

• What: "Grease: The Musical"
• When: 7 p.m. on July 5, 6, 12, and 13, and 2 p.m. on July 7 and 14
• Where: Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center, 6844 Alexandria Place in Stockton.
• Information: The box office opens one hour before each show. General admission tickets are $12, and Lincoln Unified students who present a student ID will be charged $6. Only cash payments will be accepted.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow .

This article originally appeared on The Record: 'Grease' is the word for Lincoln Unified School District's latest summer production