Cam Ferris has been a part of every Tappan Players production since he was in the sixth grade. 

He’s now a college sophomore.

“I come back every year because I love it,” said Ferris, who helps in the lighting department.

On Friday night the Tappan Players premiered their production of Grease to a sold-out crowd at Tappan Middle School.

In addition to the 144 students involved, more than 150 parents and community volunteers helped with the group's 21st annual production.

While many volunteers have students in the musical, many others, like Ferris, are graduates of the Tappan Players who just can’t stay away.

Jay Sandweiss, the group's acting coach, first got involved with Tappan Players when his daughter was in the group. He doesn’t have kids participating anymore, but he still finds a way to contribute.

“My kids are at Community (High School) now, but I just love to do it,” Sandweiss said. 

Bud van de Wege, who is directing a production for the final time, has three children who have all been involved with the Tappan Players.

“It’s been a big part of our family,” said van de Wege.

It’s been a family tradition for the Wardner family as well. Katherine Wardner remembers watching her older brother play the role of Danny in the Tappan Players' production of Grease six years ago. This time around she is getting a different perspective in the role of Marty.

And Wardner’s father, Jon Wardner, is the music director, a role he's played for several years.

As the group finished its final warm-up, Sandweiss had some surprise words of inspiration for the kids.

“Tell them to breathe, have fun, and to listen to each other,” Sandweiss read from an email.

The email was from Minnie Driver, who attended the Tappan Players' performance of Bye Bye Birdie two years ago while filming in Ann Arbor and has stayed in touch with Sandweiss since.

The play will also be showing Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

“You’re really gonna be blown away by the job these kids do,” Sandweiss said.

Andrew Turner is an intern for the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. Contact the staff at community@annarbor.com.