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Hillsboro High students to perform musical Leader of the Pack
Production celebrates life, times of pop songwriter Ellie Greenwich
hillsboro high leader of pack cast
The cast of Hillsboro High Schools Nov. 13-14 presentation of the musical Leader of the Pack poses for a portrait. The musical celebrates the life and times of songwriter Ellie Greenwich (1940-2009), whose doo-wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the pop charts in the early to mid-1960s. - photo by Contributed/Paula Parker

The Hillsboro High School drama and music departments are presenting “Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical” Nov.  13- 14.

This story begins in the later 1950’s and is based on the life story of Ellie Greenwich (1940-2009), a famous  pop music  singer, songwriter and recond producer.

Eleanor Louise Greenwich (senior Alexis Mathis), a teenage member of the “Jivettes,” dreams of hearing her songs on the radio.  While attending college, she gets a job at the Brill Building, a Manhattan office building just north of Times Square,  with Gus Sharkey (senior Jacob Benish), a music producer whose character is based on Phil Spector.  It is here that she meets fellow aspiring songwriter Jeff Barry (junior Ean Levy).  The two share a whirlwind courtship that has its share of ups and downs, but they continue to churn out hits for Darlene Love (junior, Cheyenne Hanke), the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las, and many others.

This “jukebox” musical celebrates the doo-wop musical sound that skyrocketed to the top of the 60’s music charts that left us with hits like “Be My Baby,” “The Doo Ron Ron,”  “Doo Wah Diddy,” “Chapel of Love,” “Hanky Panky,” “Leader of the Pack,” and many others that will continue to be well known for generations to come.

“Liner notes” by comedy writer Anne Beatts (“Saturday Night Live,” “A Different World”) serve as the book that link the songs and provide a look into Greenwich’s professional triumphs and personal misfortunes.

“Leader of the Pack” is a popular choice for high school and amateur productions, which Greenwich frequently managed and oversaw until her death in August 2009.

Shows start at 7 p.m. Show tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available from a cast or crew member, or from the high school office.  Show tickets can also be purchased at the door.

There will also be a 50’s-60’s Diner dinner on Nov. 14 serving from 5-6 p.m.  Roller skating waitresses will deliver your meal to you.  This meal includes your choice of: a coney dog (hot dog with barbecue and cheese), a hotdog or barbecue  on a bun; chips, dessert and a rootbeer float.  All dinner tickets must be purchased by Nov. 13 at the high school  office or from a cast member.   Cost of the dinner is $7 a person.   Dinner tickets will not be sold at the door.

Come join the Hillsboro Drama and Music Departments  for an evening of fun and nostalgia.