"The music is recognizable," said director Derek Barnes about the latest San Benito Stage Company teen musical "Leader of the Pack," which debuts Oct. 25. Photos by Becky Bonner.
"The music is recognizable," said director Derek Barnes about the latest San Benito Stage Company teen musical "Leader of the Pack," which debuts Oct. 25. Photos by Becky Bonner.
Cast members range from ages 13 to 19.
Cast members range from ages 13 to 19.
Joey Hokulani and Abby Chase play the two leading roles of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.
Joey Hokulani and Abby Chase play the two leading roles of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.
“Leader of the Pack” is considered a jukebox musical.

The newest teen musical from San Benito Stage Company will raise the curtain at the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister on Oct. 25.

“Leader of the Pack” is based on the life and music of Ellie Greenwich, an American singer-songwriter who wrote the song the play is named after. With a cast of 29 performers ages 13-19, the show runs through Nov. 9.

“We have some kids who it is their first teen show and have some kids who it is their last show,” said director Derek Barnes of Hollister. “We were really trying to make sure we had people from every grade.”

Abby Chase, 19, will take the stage for her final teen musical in “Leader of the Pack.” Playing Greenwich, Chase reflected on what sets the role apart from previous shows she’s participated in.

“I have never played a part with so many emotions changing,” Chase said. “I like that she’s driven to achieve her goals. She obviously wants to have a love life, but her music career is more important.”

Opposite Chase in the role of Jeff Barry is Joey Hokulani, 18. While Chase sought to “go out with a bang” for her last SBSC musical, it was the music that drew Hokulani in.

“It’s a lot of really good songs that I know,” he said.

Performers sing tunes including “And Then He Kissed Me,” “Hanky Panky,” “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” “Be My Baby,” and of course “Leader of the Pack.”

“The music is recognizable. It crosses generations,” Barnes said.

The show also crosses county lines. Sixteen-year-old Jenna Hernandez from Morgan Hill was cast as Darlene Love. With few musicals staged in her area, Hernandez decided to make the commute to Hollister when she heard about “Leader of the Pack.”

“I love the show,” Hernandez said. “Think of it as less of a musical and more of watching an album in front of you.”

According to Barnes, what also sets the show apart are the vocal harmonies and the chance for more performers to shine because music is at the forefront.

As Hokulani said, “There is a lot more this cast has to offer.”

Asked what they would say to someone interested in coming to the show, Barnes and Chase were quick to answer.

“If they are looking for a show that will make them laugh, cry, clap their hands, tap their feet, sing and dance, this is the show for them,” Barnes said.

For Chase, the answer was more simple.

“Bring some tissues and get ready for the ride.”