As the curtain rises on the fine arts department’s production of the hit musical Grease, Junior Christian Eddington will play the lead role of Danny Zuko. Christian was cast as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid during his freshman year at BHS, and that opportunity gave him a sense of hope to continue his career in singing and acting throughout high school.
“That really boosted my self-confidence and helped me understand that I needed to back up that talent with hard work,” Christian said. “Being chosen for the role of Eric made me feel like I had talent. I always knew I was talented, but when I was cast as a lead as a freshman I was like, I must be really good.”
Choir director Alex Medlock said that Christian is always giving his all, whether in a classroom or performance environment and has noticed his vocal range.
“Christian is super talented,” Medlock said. “He is very driven, motivated, and is hard working. When you put all that together it makes for a really special kid and that sets him apart.”
Jacob Justice, assistant director of fine arts, is directing Grease this year and is excited for what Christian will bring to the stage.
“Christian’s singing is amazing,” Jacob Justice said. “His personality comes out when he sings. He is more quiet and reserved than what might be typical of an actor on stage but he has that charismatic personality, and when he sings and gets a smile on his face it translates into a really confident performance.”
Senior Josie Bettis and Christian have been in choir together since Christian was a freshman, and their friendship has done nothing but grow since then.
“Christian is super energetic and brings this really fun life to choir,” Josie said. “He has a great attitude, and is super fun to be around, and he’s a great leader.”
Justice said that Josie and Christian are well-suited to perform together and compliment each others styles.
“Christian and Josie are already good friends, so that helps their dynamic on stage,” Justice said. “The biggest thing with actors is getting them to trust each other, and that is already there, so they can have fun. Adding Josie creates another layer because she is such a powerhouse on stage too.”
Over the last two years, Christian’s choir directors have watched him develop as an artist.
“We had Christian as a freshman, and he has definitely matured,” Medlock said. “He’s come out of his shell more, and is more confident. We can see that in the way he sings and performs.”
As a freshman Christian’s directors saw how he handled the role and believe the experience will have a positive impact on his performance this year.
“Freshman year, Christian was nervous about performing,” Justice said. “He was out for an illness for a week and a half because of an illness and missed rehearsal time, but he was still able to perform because he practiced singing and dancing at home. This year, he wants to step it up and give it his all, so I’m really excited to see him perform.”
The role of Danny will push Christian out of his comfort zone and expand his range as a performer.
“I’m honestly excited to play Danny, but he is a very flamboyant character, and he’s over the top,” Christian said. “It’s going to be a challenge for me for sure.”
Medlock knows that many students who experience success become full of themselves but sees Christian as a student who has a desire to learn and grow.
“Christian’s very teachable, and it’s been nice to see him grow as a performer and musician,” Medlock said. “When a kid is teachable and they listen, they can really go far and develop as a musician.”
Justice agrees with Medlock and appreciates Christian’s approach to musical theatre.
“Christian is a sponge,” Justice said. “He wants to learn and wants to get better. Not every kid who is as accomplished as Christian is has that humility to help them get even better.”
The role of Danny is complex, but the directors believe Christian will be able to approach the character in a way that brings him to life on stage.
“There are two sides to Danny, the overly cool guy and the more real down to earth guy that shows up with Sandy,” Justice said. “I think Christian is more like how Danny really is, and I think it is going to be a stretch for him to play the overly confident Danny, but when he finds that there will be a lot of humor in it and make the show even better.”
