The 1950s teens who attend Rydell High are back on Town Hall’s
stage with familiar issues of love and angst and songs that have
lasted: “Summer Nights,” “Teen Angel,” “We Go Together,” “Greased
Lightning…” Renew your acquaintance with Danny, Sandy, Rizzo,
Kenickie, Cha-Cha, Frenchy, Doody, Marty, Roger, the Teen Angel and
of course Eugene, in Town Hall’s production of “Grease.”
Award-winning Nick Sugar directs and choreographs, with Donna
Debreceni as musical director.
The musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey was developed in
Chicago, based on Jacobs’ high school experiences, went to
off-Broadway in New York, then on Broadway, where it was a major
hit. West End London performances, a 1978 film, a 2007 Broadway
revival where the leads were chosen by TV reality show voters, and
ongoing popularity ensure repeat performances across the nation.
That includes the one opening Sept. 18 at Littleton’s Town Hall
Arts Center with Ryan Turner and Calli Freyschlag as Danny Zuko and
Sandy Dumbrowski.
Sandy, the new kid at Rydell, has fallen for greaser Danny over
the summer, but has trouble adjusting to this rougher school after
time at Immaculata High. Danny, who wants to appear cool to his
buddies, treats her poorly and the dominant girls’ clique, the
tough Pink Ladies make fun of her. “Look at me. I’m Sandra Dee…”
despite teen drama, there is camraderie. A picnic scene ends with
“We Go Together.”
In addition to love and social issues, cars are big: Kenicke’s
new (old) car is a focus. Think “Greased Lightening!”
Also included in the cast: Kia Chapman, Nick Henderson, Amanda
Earls, Heather Larson, Briana Gassner, Nick De Witt, Kurt Tocci,
Cameron Morris, Julia Perotta, Deven Schaff, Carla Kaiser Kotric,
Joey Santos, Mark Middlebrooks, Catharine Pilafas, Kelsey Rich and
Jared Bess.
If you go:
“Grease” plays Sept. 18 through Oct. 25 at Town Hall Arts
Center, 2450 W. Main Street, Downtown Littleton. Performances: 7:30
p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Tickets: $18 to $36,
303-794-2787 ext. 5 or www.townhallartscenter.com.
