BENSON -- A play filled with romance, rebellious teenagers and invigorating music is making its second appearance here.

South Johnston High School chemistry teacher Jill Tart is directing “Grease” for the Benson Little Theatre. Tart is no stranger to the stage. She directed two plays at the high school and another play, “Annie,” for the Benson theater group. When the theater board asked Tart to direct “Grease,” she was thrilled.

“It has been very fun getting to know the kids outside of the classroom, because a lot of kids are my own students,” Tart said. “A lot of them never knew each other before this production. They have all bonded, made new friends and strengthened existing friendships.”

About 20 people are performing in the musical, including best friends Hunter Cardone and Justin Dunn, both juniors at South Johnston. Cardone portrays Danny Zuko, leader of the T-birds, a tight-knit group at Rydell High School. Dunn landed the role of Kenickie, second-in-command of the T-birds. The Four Oaks neighbors, who are new to the stage, were not expecting to earn such major parts.

“I just thought I’d be an extra,” Dunn said at a rehearsal last week. “I got to school and [Tart] said: ‘You got the part. You got Kenickie.’ I said: ‘Who is that? Is that a big part?’ She said, ‘Yeah.’”

“I wasn’t chosen on my singing ability,” Cardone added. “I was chosen because I fit the character best. I like being the main guy, because I get all the chicks.”

Jessica Carter, a freshman at South Johnston, plays Sandy Olsson, a goody-two-shoes who falls for Zuko. The role has been challenging for Carter, who performed in “Cinderella,” “Country Christmas Carol” and “Annie” with the Benson Little Theatre.

Not only is the role more mature, but the characters in the play are complex, Carter said. “We have to change our moods,” she said. “We have really bad mood swings, especially me. I get mad a lot, and the next second I’d be really, really happy.”

Filled with unforgettable costumes, performances and songs, Dunn said the show is sure to be a crowd pleaser. “The audience should look forward to a very good, funny show and a serious show, at some times,” he said. “It is a good cast and just filled with awesome people.”

Performances of “Grease” are scheduled for 8 p.m. May 2, 3 and 8 p.m. May 3 and 3 p.m. May 4 in the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium at 303 E. Church St. in Benson. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children. To purchase tickets, call 894-3825.