GREASE
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Performances: June 17 (Thursday preview), June 18, June 19, June 20, June 25, June 26, June 27, July 2,
and July 3
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Directed for MAR by Donald E. Birely
Choreography by Matt Farina
Musical Direction by Anna DeMasi
ABOUT THE SHOW:
The Glory Days
By JIM JACOBS, Co-creator of GREASE
It was in Chicago, Illinois, circa March/April 1970. At a cast party for some long-forgotten show - just for a laugh - I pulled out some of my old 45 records from the 1950s. These songs sounded extremely dated compared to the very hip, psychedelic funk of 1970 but it was a change of pace amongst the repetitious favourite dance tunes of the day. It was after singing along to several of these old, scratchy 45s by the likes of Little Richard, Dion and the Belmonts, and The Flamingos, that I first suggested to Warren Casey what a funny idea I thought it would be to see a Broadway musical that utilised this type of score i.e. the basic a capella/falsetto/doo-wops/hic-cupping/ R&B music of the late 50s instead of the traditional, 'legit' show tune type melodies of the Great White Way. Warren raised the rather obvious question: "Yeah, but what would the show be about?"
A few beers later - with daylight rapidly approaching - I hit upon the idea that it should be about the kids I went to high school with, mainly the 'greasers' and their girlfriends, back in the golden days of rock 'n' roll.
Harking back to a lifestyle that seemed centred on hairstyles (oily, gooey, coiffs), the food (cheap, fatty, hamburgers and soggy fries) and cool custom cars (more gunk and sludge) or any and all things 'greasy' - I suggested we call it Grease.
Originally Warren laughed and dismissed the whole idea as a wild pipe dream, when the fickle finger of fate suddenly entered the picture. A week later, Warren was fired from his day job as branch manager of several retail shops. Now, with time on his hands, he sat down at a typewriter and began to write a rough sketch (the girls' pajama party scene) for what would ultimately become the longest-running show in Broadway history.
Collaborating on the book, music and lyrics, we set about creating a story which poked good-natured fun at all those Hollywood JD/Rock 'n' Roll movies of the 1950s. Warren (an ex-high school teacher in the 1950s) wrote songs that parodied the primitive sounds of the early rockers whilst I (an ex-greaser student in the 1950s) composed tunes that I felt paid imitative homage to the originals.
Little Known Fact: Grease is probably the only hit Broadway musical ever composed entirely on guitar.
On February 5th 1971 in Chicago, Grease opened in a damp, drafty, former trolley barn called the Kingston Mines Theatre. A non-professional cast of 18 actors (in a $171 budget production!) played the first of its scheduled 'four performances only' to a full house of 120 seats. Almost immediately the show was extended... then again, and again, and again. The rest, as they say, is history.
A year later, on February 14th 1972, Grease opened in New York. Within six months a national tour crossed the US and Canada. A company opened in Australia. The first London production opened at the New London Theatre with a young, unknown Richard Gere as Danny Zuko (the role eventually assumed by current co-producer Paul Nicholas). Soon the foreign productions, touring companies and stock and amateur groups seemed to span the globe.
The huge success of the motion picture in 1978 resulted in a whole new legion of Grease fanatics - young kids. (The movie version of Grease holds the record for 'more concessions sold' than any other film in motion picture history).
But enough about statistics and records. What Grease is really all about - more than anything else - is having fun.
So, just sit back, kick off your blue suede shoes, and relax. Have a ball! Grease is, after all, a celebration.
A party of the best kind. It was fun then, but it's just as much fun now!
Dig? See ya' later, alligator!
ORIGINAL CAST
Barry Bostwick, Walter Bobbie, Adrienne Barbeau, Don Billet, Jim Borrelli, Katie Hanley, Marya Small, Timothy Meyers, Tom Harris, Dorothy Leon, Garn Stephens, and Carole Demas
DIRECTOR
Tom Moore
CHOREOGRAPHER
Patricia Birch
SYNOPSIS (Source: greasethemusical.com)
Setting: America - 1959
ACT ONE
The kids think they rule in small town Rydell (Grease is the Word). They head back to school - their last year at Rydell High. Danny is a member of the ultra-cool T-Birds - only interested in cars, chicks and hanging out with his mates; Kenickie, Sonny, Roger and Doody. Sandy - the new girl in school - doesn't fit in with the Pink Ladies - Rizzo, Jan, Marty and Frenchy - although they are interested in her summer romance (Summer Nights). Sandy and Danny are unexpectedly reunited - she is thrilled to see him again but Danny isn't sure how hanging out with a ' good' girl will affect his image.
All the boys contemplate growing up (Those Magic Changes) and what lies ahead.
Marty and Frenchy include Sandy in their circle, inviting her round to a sleepover but she is dismissed by Rizzo (Look at me I'm Sandra Dee); she just doesn't fit in with the gang.
The boys, meanwhile, meet up at the garage to see Kenickie's new car - he has been working all summer to buy it. The others think it is a heap of junk but Danny and Kenickie persuade them it will be a great way to attract the girls (Greased Lightnin')!
After being rejected by the Pink Ladies, Sandy tries cheerleading (Rydell Fight Song) but doesn't seem to fit in there either. She bumps into Danny again but things are awkward between them.
All the kids meet up on the football field, Roger and Jan get talking and, slowly, discover they like each other and have a lot in common (Mooning) . A party atmosphere follows, as the kids celebrate their friendships (We Go Together).
ACT TWO
It's time for the school dance, everyone is paired off and wearing their finest (Shakin' at the High School Hop). Vince Fontaine is hosting the evening - much to Marty's delight. Only Sandy is missing out on all the fun; she is stuck at home with a head cold (It's Raining on Prom Night). Things hot up at the dance - a dance contest is announced and Danny pairs up with Cha-Cha, a top dancer. They go on to win the contest (Born to Hand Jive) although Miss Lynch disapproves of some of their dance moves. All alone Sandy faces up to the fact that she still loves Danny (Hopelessly Devoted to You), however futile it may be.
Things aren't working out too well for Frenchy either. Having left high school to train as a beautician, she is finding that she may not be cut out for the job - but can't admit it to her friends (Beauty School Dropout).
Sandy and Danny finally get together; he borrows Kenickie's car and takes her to the drive-in. Sandy is there to watch the movie but Danny has other things on his mind. Sandy is upset when he takes things too far and leaves him alone in the car, wondering if he'll ever get it right (Sandy).
The gang all hang out at the garage listening to music (Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen). Sandy joins them in the hope that Danny will appear. Rizzo makes it clear that she still isn't welcome amongst them. Kenickie discovers that Rizzo may be pregnant and they have a row. Everyone hastily leaves, except Sandy, whose sympathy is rejected by Rizzo (There Are Worse Things I Could Do). Sandy realises if she wants things to be different then she needs to make some changes about herself (Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee - reprise).
All the kids at the burger bar are in for a big surprise - especially Danny - when a transformed Sandy arrives, looking hot and with an attitude to match (You're the One That I Want). Once again the mood is up - Rizzo's pregnancy was a false alarm - and all the kids celebrate being young and in love (Finale).
Song List (Original Broadway production)
Act 1
- Alma Mater ....................................... Miss Lynch, Patty Simcox and Eugene Florczyk
- Alma Mater Parody ..............................Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys
- Summer Nights ...................................Sandy Dumbrowski, Danny Zuko, Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys
- Those Magic Changes ..........................Doody, Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies
- Freddy, My Love ..................................Marty, Jan, Frenchy and Betty Rizzo
- Greased Lightning ...............................Kenickie and Burger Palace Boys
- Mooning ........................................... Roger and Jan
- Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee ..................Betty Rizzo
- We Go Together ..................................Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys
Act 2
- Shakin' at the High School Hop ..................................Company
- It's Raining on Prom Night ....................................... Sandy Dumbrowski
- Shakin' at the High School Hop (Reprise) .....................Company
- Born to Hand Jive ................................................... Johnny Casino and Company
- Beauty School Dropout ............................................ Teen Angel, Frenchy and Company
- Alone at a Drive in Movie ......................................... Danny Zuko and Burger Palace Boys
- Rock N'Roll Party Queen .......................................... Doody and Roger
- There are Worse Things I Could Do ............................Betty Rizzo
- Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) .........................Sandy Dumbrowski
- All Choked Up ........................................................ Sandy Dumbrowski, Danny Zuko and Company
- We Go Together (Reprise) ....................................... Company
SONGS ADDED IN OTHER VERSIONS:
SONGS ADDED FOR THE MOVIE
- Grease
- Hopelessly Devoted To You
- Sandy
- You're The One That I Want
- Blue Moon
- Hound Dog
- Tears On My Pillow
- Rock 'N' Roll Is Here To Stay
- Love Is A Many Spendored Thing
- Grease (Reprise)
New Broadway Cast
- Since I Don't Have You
- Grease Megamix
CASTING BREAKDOWN
Seeking actors who look age-appropriate
Danny Zuko (tenor) 17 – 21. Handsome, cocky leader of the Burger Palace Boys (later, the T-Birds). Originally portrayed by Barry Bostwick in the original Broadway production. Falls in love with Sandy Dumbrowski over the holidays.
Sandy Dumbrowski (soprano) 15 – 19. New in town, wholesome, pure, kind, and innocent girl. Originally planned on going to a Catholic school, but changed plans and went to Rydell High. She is a goody-goody who does not drink, smoke, swear, or rat her hair, and is teased about it by the Pink Ladies. Falls in love with Danny Zuko over the holidays.
Frenchy (soprano) 17 – 21. Fun-loving and foolish but very friendly member of the Pink Ladies; dropped out of high school to enter Beauty School; a little light-headed and in her own world. Cares a lot about her appearance.
Kenickie (baritone) 17 – 21. The tough and rude second-in-command of the Burger Palace Boys (later, the T-Birds).
Betty Rizzo (mezzo) 17 – 21. Tough and sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies; does not like to hang out with Sandy because she is not tough enough. Smokes, drinks, and does not care what others think of her.
Roger (tenor) 15 – 19. A jolly prankster member of the Burger Palace Boys (later, the T-Birds); loves "putting people on"; loves Jan.
Jan (mezzo) 15 – 19. Funny, loud, slightly overweight, and awkward member of the Pink Ladies.
Doody (tenor) 15 – 16. Youngest member of the Burger Palace Boys (later, the T-Birds); generally foolish, and gullible.
Marty (alto) 15 – 19. Very attractive member of the Pink Ladies; tries to act the sophisticate. She likes older guys.
Dominic "Sonny" LaTierri (baritone) 15 – 19. An obnoxious yet tricky member of the Burger Palace Boys (later, the T-Birds); funny Italian-American; "Wise Guy" of the Burger Palace Boys.
Charlene "Cha-Cha" DiGregorio (soprano) 16 – 21. Apparently the best dancer at St. Bernadette's; wins the dancing competition with Danny.
Johnny Casino (baritone) 15 – 19. All-American, rock-star student at Rydell High, whose real name is Clarence.
Teen Angel (tenor) 27 – 35. Guardian Angel from above who tries to guide Frenchy when she drops out of beauty school.
Patty Simcox 15 – 19. A pretty, peppy, cheerleader; loud and overexcited; a bit of a pain and unpopular with the Pink Ladies; nominated for Student Council.
Eugene Florczyk 16 – 19. A silly, pompous but gullible nerd.
Vince Fontaine 35 – 50. An egotistical, slimy radio disk jockey trying to relive his teenage years.
Miss Lynch 40 – 60. A loud, no-nonsense, serious, English teacher.
Pink Ladies Ensemble (Sopranos/Altos) 16-21. Versatile singer/dancers.
-Please note several Pink Ladies will double as pre-show 50s girl group singers -ability to do close harmony a must.
Burger Palace Boys Ensemble (Tenors/Baritones) 16–21. Versatile singer/dancers.