Good girl Sandy and bad-boy Danny. Which one – if not both? – will be willing to change his or her ways to make the other fall in love?
The beloved storyline originated with “Grease” – first with Jim Jacobs’ and Warren Casey’s 1971 musical and then with the blockbuster 1978 movie starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. The film became the highest-grossing musical film of all time, and one song (“Hopelessly Devoted to You”) from the soundtrack earned an Oscar nomination. The characters and songs have become a part of American’s entertainment history.
In November, “Grease” is the word, as Angelina College’s Visual and Performing Arts will present “Grease” onstage, moving Rydell High School to Temple Theater in a three-day run opening on Thursday, Nov. 14. Shows on Thursday and Friday will start at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday (Nov. 16) will offer an afternoon matinee starting at 2:30 p.m. Thecast and orchestra will perform all the hits from the platinum-selling soundtrack, including “Grease”, “Summer Nights” and others.
AC’s Andrew Reed and Meredith Taylor will direct the production, Beckie Compton will serve as musical director and Sarah Jackson will serve as choreographer.
Characters and cast members (in order of appearance) are as follows:
Jan (Ashley Johnson); Marty (Samantha Johnson); Betty Rizzo (Cassidy Kelly); Doody (Colin Wise); Roger (Eric Smith); Kenickie (Cody Carter); Sonny LaTierri (Deondre Bookman); Eugene Florczyk (River Delcambre); Frenchy (Ashton Morris); Sandy Dumbrowski (Raquel Rothschild); Danny Zuko (Jordan Dietz); Miss Lynch (Retha Powers); Patty Simcox (Eryn Forrest); Cha-Cha DiGregorio (Heather Self); Vince Fontaine (Don Wilson Glenn); and Teen Angel, Johnny Casino (Ben Reynolds); Beauty School Angels/High School Dancers: Leigh Ann Hughes, Julia Casey, Reagan Wren, Alana Meshell and Lindsey Dobbins; High School Students: Jade Wilson, Kristin Allen, Trinity Galloway and Cedric Carson, Jr.; “Raining on Prom Night” Radio Singers: Julia Casey, Leigh Ann Hughes and Sarah Jackson.
Orchestra: Beckie Compton (keyboard/conductor); David McArthur (tenor saxophone 1); Amanda Burns (tenor saxophone 2); Ken Reynolds (lead guitar); Lee Miller (bass guitar); and Tom Corbitt (drums).
There will be no charge for admission.