Students of the Long Branch Middle School Drama Club and staff members of the school swapped roles last week when the students took over production and the staff took on the acting roles during a performance of "Grease."

FRANK GALIPO The boys of Rydell High School are played by Long Branch Middle School staff members during a production of "Grease" on April 3. When students expressed a desire to learn about true theater production, the idea of having the staff act and the students direct was born. Students received detailed lessons in all aspects of theater production.

The production was sponsored by the school's drama club, and the students took over the responsibilities of directing, choreographing, set design, lighting design, sound management, and marketing for an April 3 and 4 production of the play "Grease."

The staff members at the school performed in the play, which was a "fun-raiser" for the drama club.

"Having fun is something that can be accomplished while achieving a desired goal," said Long Branch Superintendent of Schools Joseph M. Ferraina. " 'Grease' was the musical of the '70s that made John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John famous.

"Let's see who becomes famous from our production of 'Grease,'" Ferraina added.