WANT TO GO?
WHAT: "Grease"
WHERE: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Ohio 73, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
WHEN: Through June 26; Evening performances (arrival time 5:30-6:00 p.m.) and matinees (arrival time 10:30-11:00 a.m.)
COST: Adult tickets are $59-$75; An early bird discount of $4/ticket applies to May performances.
TICKETS AND INFO: Call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or visit www.lacomedia.com
La Comedia Dinner Theatre is turning back the clock to remind audiences the kooky guys and sassy gals of Rydell High will always be together as it presents Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s timeless 1972 musical “Grease” through Sunday, June 26.
Danny, Sandy, the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies provide the familiar pulse for this silly, upbeat take on high school dysfunction and romance in the 1950s. Despite bruised feelings and a series of misunderstandings, the value of friendship is a unifying thread. The tuneful score includes “Summer Nights,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Greased Lightnin,’” and “Beauty School Dropout.”
Although “Grease” grew in popularity thanks to its iconic, relatively faithful 1978 film, La Comedia is staging the original Broadway version. The original does not contain “Hopelessly Devoted to You” or “You’re the One That I Want,” but organizers are confident audiences will be entertained by the material’s charm nonetheless, particularly the opportunity to hear songs cut from the film.
“We’re offering a chance for audiences to remember the way ‘Grease’ was the first time,” said director/choreographer Chris Beiser. “Honestly, the script is pretty thin so people typically see the show because of the music. I know some may be disappointed that ‘You’re the One That I Want’ isn’t in this production. However, great songs such as ‘Those Magic Changes,’ ‘Freddy My Love’ and ‘Shakin’ At the High School Hop’ are and they were not in the film. The stage production actually offers you more music than the movie. And the show still resonates. People really appreciate the setting. It truly was a bygone time. The style of the 1950s is also fun, the slicked-back hair and poodle skirts.”
Unlike recent ensemble-heavy shows he staged for La Comedia including “A Christmas Story: The Musical” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” Beiser is spearheading a cast of 20. He appreciates the change of pace from a story standpoint.
“A smaller cast allows the audience to focus more on the characters,” he said. “The audience really gets to understand the dynamic between Rizzo and Kenickie in particular. It’s been great to work with such a small, talented and energetic cast. Their voices are wonderful.”
“We all feel very fortunate to have been cast,” said Springboro native and Muse Machine alumna Bradley Farmer who portrays Sandy and previously appeared as Mayzie LaBird in La Comedia’s “Seussical.” “Sandy is a role I have dreamt of playing since I was a young girl and first saw the movie. I love her innocence and relatability. She is so pure and genuine, and I feel like I dig into those characteristics with every line I say and song I sing. Innocent Sandy is fun, but I have to admit my favorite part of the show is when I strut out at the end in my tight black outfit and red stilettos.”
Last year, Farmer received her B.F.A. in musical theatre from Wright State University where her credits included “Hot Mikado” and “Les Misérables.” She lives in New York City, but is thrilled for the chance to return to the Miami Valley where her enthusiasm for the arts took shape.
“It’s an exhilarating privilege to return from NYC and perform for the people of my hometown where my love of theater and performing was born and encouraged,” she said. “I feel honored to share the stage with such a talented group of performers. We have so much fun together. We have become a close group of friends and I think that friendship comes across in the show.”
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