Summer Lovin’ In Full Swing In APA’s “Grease”

“Grease is the Word” in Orleans this summer! 

Break out the leather jackets and poodle skirts and get ready for a phenomenal night of theater and music at the Academy Playhouse with the summer smash hit “Grease.” The show opened last week and is nothing but pure energy and fun! This legendary musical is fast-paced and packed with an incredible cast of local actors who will have you captivated for the entire show. “Grease” gives off massive feel-good vibes with countless memorable songs to keep you singing along all night! 

Go back to high school with the T-Birds and Pink Ladies as they take you on a nostalgic ride to the 1950s at Rydell High. “Grease” is a timeless tale of friendship, rebellion and young love that never goes out of style. The story has transcended the decades to be one of the most treasured musicals of the past 50 years. The original musical “Grease” came out in 1972 and was later adapted into the major motion picture we all know and love starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The movie is highly regarded as one of the most successful and popular movie musicals of all time. 

 APA’s production is directed by Terrence Brady, with music direction from Chris Morris and choreography from DJ Kostka (who also hilariously plays Teen Angel!). The live band performed all of the catchy tunes from the upstairs gallery and included Matt Brown on bass, Delane O’Connor Moser on guitar and percussion from Simon MacBride.

The entire company shined brightly during three of the most famous and memorable scenes in the show: “Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” and “You’re the One That I Want.” The amount of technical skill and impeccable choreography to pull off these numbers, including the awesome “Hand Jive” scene, was astounding. The energy and talent of this cast is spectacular.

Cast in the two leading roles of Danny and Sandy are Melanie Singer and Wil Moser. The chemistry they exude on stage, paired with their high-octane vocals, was unforgettable! Singer’s solo rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted’ was breathtaking and will leave you with chills. Moser’s slick charm oozes through in his solo performance of “Sandy” when he gets stranded at the drive-in.

The Pink Ladies, decked out in their signature satin jackets and red lipstick, are played by Virginia Ohlson (Rizzo), Gianna Casale (Frenchie), Haley Spiewakowski (Marty) and Emma Engelsen (Jan). These hip ladies, who make up the coolest clique at Rydell High, played their roles to perfection, especially shining in the “Freddy, My Love” number.

The tough as nails T-Birds, clad in their leather jackets and slick-backed hair, included Seamus Sartin (Kenickie), Orion Young (Doody), Matthew Whelen (Roger) and Link Gosling (Sonny). These four cool cats thoroughly nailed it with their epic “Greased Lightning” performance featuring the custom-made hot-rod (which first appeared last month in APA’s “Gypsy!”).

The two absolute stand-out scene stealers in “Grease” were Esme Van Buskirk, playing Rydell High’s perky cheerleader Patty Simcox, and Lucas Almeida as the nerdy poindexter Eugene. This pair of young actors were not only laugh-out-loud hilarious, but played their roles flawlessly!

Rounding out this phenomenal cast are Dahlia Viprino (Cha-Cha), Mark Roderick (Vince Fontaine), DJ Kostka (Johnny Casino and Teen Angel), Suzanne Fecteau (Miss Lynch) and Erin Walsh (Radio Singer). 

Members of the ensemble include Raven Berry, Chiara Castro, Connor McLeod, Cecelia Miner, Gia Popov, Kendall Smith, Andrew Tobin, Charlie Tobin and Hazel Yingling.

The tireless work and grit it takes to pull off such a blockbuster production is evident with every person involved with this production at APA. Bravo to a stellar show! Your “better shape up” and be sure to get your tickets soon before the run of “Grease” sells out! 

DETAILS:

“Grease”

At the Academy of Performing Arts, Main Street, Orleans

Through July 13, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-255-1963, academyplayhouse.org