By Claudia Carbone
Though it’s set in 1959, Grease is a timeless story about high school kids and their oh-so-important relationships that will always be relevant, even in today’s turbulent times. The theater company Inspire Creative together with Parker Arts have captured all the joy and angst of the gang at Rydell High in their energetic production of the musical directed by Shaun Albrechtson. Grease is an opportunity for grandparents to show kids and grandkids what their teenage years looked like in the relatively peaceful era of the 50s.
Most people know Grease from the movie version, which differs from the original stage play in many ways. Albrechtson takes a little from both, plus added the songs—“Sandy,” “You’re the One that I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Grease is the Word”—that were created for the movie since they have become popularized and associated with the work. “The demand to see and hear those songs in the staged version is immense,” said Albrechtson in the program’s notes. “So we are able to add in the additional music that everyone expects.”
Expect, indeed. The musical numbers in this show are so well done that one can’t wait for the dialogue to segue into the next song or dance, which by far are its strengths. Kudos to choreographer Tobi Johnson-Compton for the lively 50s hip hop that is so much fun to watch. “Summer Nights” and “Shakin’ at the High School Hop” routines are outstanding. The scene where Kenickie’s old jalopy morphs into “Greased Lightnin’” is cleverly crafted with exceptional singing and dancing. In “Born to Hand Jive,” Cha Cha, played by Liane M. Adamo, sets the stage on fire with her high stepping.
Other outstanding performances are Elleon Tobias as Patty, who has a hopeless crush on Danny Zako, played by Kevin Eksterowicz. Emma Maxfield as Sandy adequately makes the transformation from shy to sexy. Her “Hopelessly Devoted” lament reveals her lovely voice. Vanessa De La Rosa as Rizzo sings a soulful “There Are Worse Thing I Could Do.” Joanie Bibeau gives it her all as Miss Lynch.
All in all, for a local production, the entire ensemble deserves a big hand of applause.
The rest of the cast is as follows:
Jeff Carara as Kenikie
Jessica Hall as Jan
Adam Kinney as Roger
Lexi Van De Walker as Marty
Christian Castaneda as Sonny
Madison Falkenstine as Frenchy
Tyler Eatherton as Doody
Ammon Swofford as Eugene
Anthony Okazaki as Vince Fontaine
Drew Hirschboeck as Teen Angel and Johnny Casino
Remaining performances are:
Thursday, July 21 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 22 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23 – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 – 2 p.m.
Friday, July 29 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 – 2 p.m.
For tickets or more information, visit www.parkerarts.org or call 303-805-6800
Denver native Claudia Carbone is an award-winning journalist who covers travel, performing arts and restaurants for magazines and websites. Her eight grandchildren range in age from 25 to 5.
