“The strut took a while to perfect but it’s fun to be that cocky,” says Conor Hughes, aka Danny Zuko.

Seventeen year old Conor will take the lead role in this year’s Enniskillen Light operatic (ELO) performance of Grease. Sandy will be played by fifteen-year-old Rosie O’Hare, a fourth year student at Mount Lourdes.

Directed by Ryan Moohan and John McCann, the hit musical Grease opens in the Ardhowen Theatre on December 4 and runs until December 13.

The matinee is already sold out, and tickets for the other shows are selling fast.

This is the first leading role for both Conor and Rosie, who both admit to having been bitten by the acting bug.

Rosie had a minor role in ELO’s Oliver two years ago and played a lead character in Mount Lourdes’ production of ‘Footloose’ last year. When she saw that ELO was doing Grease, she jumped at the chance.

“I have my Australian accent perfected now and I feel nervous,” admits Rosie. “I can’t wait until opening night. I’ve always wanted to do Grease.” Conor, a sixth year student at St. Michael’s College, played The Artful Dodger in ELO’s performance of Oliver and had a role in St. Michael’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2010.

“I’m over the moon to be playing Danny; it’s my first lead role and I can’t wait until opening night!” he says.

According to Conor: “It’s really good fun. It’s a younger cast and everyone is rearing to go.” ELO’s choreographer is Shauneen Beggan from Rosslea, a graduate of the Dublin College of Dance.

Overall Musical Director is Jackie Cassidy, music teacher in St. Eugene’s College, Rosslea.

Letterbreen musician Stephen Crooks is Director of the Orchestra. Founder of the Fermanagh/Tyrone Brass Band Summer School and conductor with Murley Silver Band, Stephen has assembled a band of very accomplished musicians to rock out the great tunes from the show.