Jan 27, 2016 By Cody Yankulic 3 min read

“Go Grease Lightning, you’re burning up the quarter mile.” 

Instantly, that sentence will take many readers back to the first time they saw the 1978 movie, “Grease.” For a couple short hours on Saturday night, Waynesburg University students were able to experience the same sounds and sights of that American classic. “Grease” was the latest movie shown in the Student Activities Board’s movie night.

Released in 1978, “Grease” has certainly taken its place in American movie folklore. To boot, the movie has grossed a total of $394.95 million in both domestic and international sales. Aside from money made, the movie was nominated for an Academy Award, five Golden Globes and won two People’s Choice Awards.  

“We thought it would be a successful, fun night to begin with,” said Anthony Jarrell, residence director and supervisor of the event. “We wanted to introduce an American classic to college students.”

Introduce it they did, as approximately 60 students from the university gathered in the Beehive to take in the film. 

Not only did students gather but they also were encouraged to dress up for a costume contest. Students were encouraged to wear clothes similar to those worn in the movie.

The winner of the male contest was freshman Christian Wilson. Thanks to a white t-shirt, jeans and slicked-back hair, Wilson was able to win tickets to Tuesday night’s Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game. 

“I love the movie and the fun of dressing up for it” said Wilson on his costume

Shortly after the male contest, the females had theirs. The winner of the female contest was junior Amber Lambing. 

Lambing dressed up as Frenchie from the movie. As far as the authenticity of Lambing’s outfit, she wore a “Pink Ladies” jacket that was an exact replica of the jacket worn by Frenchie in the movie.

Of course, no retro movie night would be complete without burgers, fries and milkshakes. 

Staying in touch with the 1950’s theme, students could pick up any of the three foods that would commonly be served at a 1950’s diner.

“I think it was fun,” said Lambing. “I liked the fact that they had food.”

The food seemed to be a big hit, as many students waited in line for the iconic foods and continued to grab a plate or cup throughout the night.

The future looks bright for more themed movie nights. 

“We do one movie night a month,” said Jarrell. “I could see us doing more themed ones.”