Grease contains strong language and thus is recommended for audience members 15 years of age or older.
Grease is the word. Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease's place has been firmly established in the cultural hall of fame. It has seduced the hearts of millions with its back to back sizzling tunes. Grease proved that a love story musical that is bursting with denim, leather, fast cars, slick hairstyles, and raging teen hormones is timeless. Take a blast from the past with Danny Zuko, Rizzo, Knickey, and Frenchy in the musical that idolizes the fifties. This musical features all your favorite songs including Summer Lovin', Hand Jive, and Greased Lightning.
"NOTHING AND NO-ONE WILL STOP THIS WHIM-WHAM SHOW ROLLERCOASTING TO A SMASH HIT."
- Daily Mail
According to a BBC poll in 2003 the UK's all-time favorite film musical was "Grease," topping "The Sound of Music," "The Wizard of Oz," "West Side Story" and "Mary Poppins," in that order. What's more, the 1978 movie was the all-time money maker among musicals. Explaining this success would take more than a drama or film critic. We probably need help from a psychoanalyst. The plot, what there is of it, is silly. The characters are crass, disgusting and have ugly hair. The high-school atmosphere they revel in is something we wouldn't want to resurrect. And the moral seems to be: "Virginity is for suckers and a girl is better off as a tramp with a good right hook."
The effect must be subliminal. At the end of the impressive and delightful production by Runaway Stage, my party waltzed out of the theater, ready to dance. That night my wife dreamed about her old high-school boy friend, Biff. I guess the show leaves you feeling that within every cruel, narcissistic, gross thug or slut glows a wonderful spirit.
Whatever the glories of the film, the stage production has a special magic of its own, especially when the performers are close to high-school age themselves. The Runaway production has an exceptional cast of 16, some in their teens, others seasoned adults. All are accomplished in acting, singing and dance, pumping energy on stage and in the aisles. Whatever their age they capture attitudes and rock 'n' roll styles, from Doo Wop to Elvis, that their parents may be too young to remember. Yet they carry it off with easy conviction.
As usual with popular film the movie's focus was on stars, John Travolta as Danny and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy, but the stage demands an ensemble production. Each performer has a unique style and talent, and each has at least one moment to own the show. Also unlike many other musicals, "Grease" doesn't depend on one or two big numbers or big scenes, with sags between.
The score resonates with memorable tunes, like "Summer Nights," "Those Magic Changes, "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "We Go Together," "Beauty School Dropout," and "All Choked Up." What's more, the cast delivers them with a savvy irony that conveys the disconnect between the soulful music and the self-satire in the lyrics.
The cast includes Kathleen Flint, Hailee Ketchum-Wiggins, Brett Bachmann, Kari Pruitt, Lauren Miller, Lauryn Caruso, Bradley Bong, Chris Scarberry, Michael McElroy, Alex Powell, Netty Carey, Stephanie Kenney, Tristan Rumery, Michael Garland, Tevye Ditter, and Jordan Gomez. Jerry Lynn Bolt leads a fine six-member orchestra to accompany them. Bolt is also vocal and musical director.
Director and set designer Bob Baxter kept a consistent tone through complex movements and changes of pace, with stunning choreography by Tiffany Hurley and bright period costumes by Lillian Baxter and Denise Miles. Kimberley Negrete and Jessi Jaurez modulated the mood with skillful backlighting. Book, lyrics and music are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
- David Jacobson, Life Newspapers theatre reviewer
Attended the production on 9/26 ... enjoyed the show ... we saw the Music Circus production a few weeks ago, but felt your's was much more fun ... some of your vocalists were better then theirs ...
Thanks for the wonderful evening.
-- Patron
| Production Staff |
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| Director/Producer: | | Bob Baxter |
| Assistant Director: | | Buffee Ann Gillihan |
| Choreographer: | | Tiffany Hurley |
| Vocal/Music Director: | | Jeremy Bolt |
| Set Designer/Builder: | | Bob Baxter |
| Costumer: | | Lillian Baxter |
| Assoc. Costumer: | | Denise Miles |
| Lighting Designer: | | Kim Negrete |
| Properties: | | Kathleen Flint |
| Administration: | | Eileen Hushbeck |
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| Casting |
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| | | |
| Miss Lynch |  | Kathleen Flint |
| Patty Simcox | | Hailee Ketchum-Wiggins |
| Eugene Fiorczyc | | Brett Bachmann |
| Jan | | Kari Pruitt |
| Marty | | Lauren Miller |
| Betty Rizzo | | Lauryn Caruso |
| Doody | | Bradley Bong |
| Roger | | Chris Scarberry |
| Kenickie | | Michael McElroy |
| Sonny La Tierri | | Alex Powell |
| Frenchy | | Netty Carey |
| Sandy Dumbrowski | | Stephanie Keeney |
| Danny Zuko | | Tristan Rumery |
| Vince Fontaine | | Michael Garland |
| Johnny Casino | | Tevye Ditter |
| Cha-Cha DiGregorio | | Jordan Gomez |
| Teen Angel | | Tevye Ditter |
