INA, Ill. (September 10, 2025) — What started as just a prop in Rend Lake College’s April 2024 production of Grease has now traveled hundreds of miles to a stage in Tampa, Fla. The “Greased Lightning” car, crafted by RLC Art Instructor Melissa McClement-Engler, has found a new spot on the Carrollwood Day School stage.
RLC's 2024 production of 'Grease' featuring Travis Westbrook (Carterville), Daven Ort (Mt. Vernon), Conner Teriet (Salem), Samuel Buesking (Mt. Vernon) and Brockton Miller (Thompsonville)
The journey began when the RLC Theatre program posted the prop car for sale on social media. The response for the car was immediate. People from as far away as Detroit, Michigan, and Zanesville, Ohio were interested in this one-of-a-kind prop. Ultimately, it was a theatre group in Tampa that received this hydromatic, automatic, and systematic car.
After a short stay at Harlow Moving Company, the car was picked up by Stacy Henning, Technical Theater Instructor, in March 2025 and made its way down south. Carrollwood Day School used the prop in their April 25–26, 2025, performance of Grease, where it once again became a crowd favorite.
Carrollwood Day School's 2025 'Grease' cast with the prop car. Photo taken by Stacy Henning
"Upon its arrival, everyone was thrilled!" said Henning. "The car's door opens for the drive-in scene, the hubcaps come on and off, and the entire car glides smoothly on stage. The students thoroughly enjoyed interacting with this amazing 13-foot creation. It truly elevated our production and brought a lot of joy to everyone involved!"
The car’s creator, McClement-Engler, has been a member of the RLC faculty since 1999, bringing her professional expertise and artistic vision to countless campus projects. A graduate of Syracuse University’s prestigious Independent Study Degree Program in Illustration, McClement-Engler has worked with national publications, exhibited her artwork across the Midwest, and taught an array of art courses ranging from painting and illustration to stained glass.
“Watching the car come together from mostly sheet foam and paint was Amazing! Melissa put so much skill, care, and time into building this car,” said Faith Blair, Administrative Assistant of the RLC Arts & Sciences Division. “We knew we wanted it to find a new life instead of being dismantled. I am so glad that Stacy Henning and I were able to connect and get the arrangements made for the car’s journey to Carrollwood Day School. Now it’s continuing to inspire students hundreds of miles away.”
Carrollwood Day School's T-Birds with the prop car. Photo taken by Carrollwood Day School.
The "Greased Lighting" car, which has traveled from southern Illinois stages to Tampa theaters, is more than just a prop; it is a traveling part of RLC history and proof that excellent art and craftsmanship endures over time.
"Thank you, Rend Lake College and Faith Blair for going above and beyond," said Henning.
Interested in the RLC Theatre program? Visit rlc.edu/theatre for more information.
