MOUNT VERNON — MTVarts announces its summer production of Grease, the iconic rock-and-roll musical that continues to entertain audiences worldwide.
This energetic production will take the stage July 10-19 at the Woodward Opera House, bringing the sights, sounds and spirit of 1959 to downtown Mount Vernon.
Featuring a cast of local performers, a live on-stage band, dynamic choreography, and unforgettable songs, Grease tells the story of Danny Zuko, Sandy Dumbrowski and the students of Rydell High as they navigate friendship, identity, romance and the excitement of teenage life.
The cast features Will Stewart as Danny Zuko, Hannah Marshall as Sandy Dumbrowski, Kylie Stadler Hoam as Betty Rizzo, Alex Snodgrass as Kenickie, Sage Szucs as Frenchy, Kiarah Smith as Marty, Bella Oster as Jan, Jayson Herbst as Doody, Silas Hoam as Roger, Peyton Hauenstein Cline as Sonny LaTierri, Sydney Orrison as Patty Simcox, Carter Skillman as Eugene Florczyk, Gordon Gantt as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, Madison Sichna as Cha-Cha DiGregorio, and Emily Fletcher as Miss Lynch. The ensemble includes Charlie Foyle, Lanah Andrews, Alaina Wahl, Gabby Fuller, Devyn Hall, and Chloe Skillman.
Filled with musical numbers including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Those Magic Changes,” “Beauty School Dropout,” “Hand Jive,” and “We Go Together,” Grease remains one of the most popular musicals ever produced.
Director Bruce Jacklin believes the show’s lasting appeal comes from its relatable characters and infectious energy.
“There’s something timeless about Grease,” he said. “Beneath the leather jackets, poodle skirts and rock-and-roll swagger is a story about belonging, friendship and discovering who you are. Every generation finds something familiar in these characters, and that’s what keeps audiences coming back.”
Community theater at its finest
Producers Janis Stone and Carla Swallow lead the production, supported by an extensive volunteer creative team including Jacklin, choreographer Anthony Ingram and vocal director Diane Dinger; stage manager Serra Barrett and assistant stage managers Nate Hoam and Ellen Hoam; lighting designers Ian Fasure-Ernsberger and Scott Swingle; sound designer Alex Thompson; costume designers Sadie Ryals, Emily Fletcher, Abigail Tenny and Vincent Oertel; fight choreographer Alex Snodgrass, intimacy director Leah Miller, and master carpenter Mike Sears; Greased Lightnin’ car designer and builder Joseph Bell; and dozens of volunteers working behind the scenes.
The Rydell All-Stars Band features Christa Brady (conductor/piano), Andrew Clarkson and Matthew Barcus (guitars), Audrey Haring (bass), Piersen Schuiling (drums) and Adam Garlinger (saxophone).
The production showcases the creativity and dedication of more than 60 performers, musicians, technicians, designers, and volunteers who have come together to bring Rydell High to life.
From the actors on stage to the musicians, scenic artists, builders, costumers, hair and makeup teams, and backstage crew, Grease represents the collaborative spirit that has become a hallmark of MTVarts productions. It is a celebration of community theatre at its finest—neighbors, friends, families and artists of all ages working together to create an unforgettable experience for audiences throughout the region.
While Grease reflects the humor, energy and teenage attitudes of the 1950s, it remains a celebration of youth, friendship, first love and the universal desire to find where we belong.
Content advisory: Parents might wish to use discretion for younger children
Grease is a high-energy celebration of teenage life in the late 1950s—complete with rock ’n’ roll, fast cars, breaking curfew and all the awkward excitement of growing up.
The production includes mild adult humor, references to dating and teenage relationships, and language reflective of the era in which it is set.
While suitable for most audiences, parents may wish to use discretion for younger children. MTVarts presents Grease in the spirit of the original stage musical while maintaining PG-13 content appropriate for community theater audiences.
In other words, expect plenty of laughs, a little teenage angst, some classic 1950s swagger and a whole lot of fun.
Click here for ticket information and performance times.
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