BUTLER TWP — Youthful enthusiasm and energy carried Butler Musical Theater Guild’s production of “Grease” at the Succop Theater of Butler County Community College Wednesday night.

Long before the other High School Musical, this tale of love, loss, and love again is set at Rydell High School. The wonderful score is full of perky 1950s style songs. The dances were almost as much fun to watch as they must have been to dance.

Director Gordon Cavalero expertly handled a cast of nearly 100 young people in the delightful coming-of-age tale.

Romantic leads Chase Livermore and Skylar Ruth charmed as mismatched loves, Danny and Sandy. Secondary lead Jessica Ortiz was perfect in the role of bad-girl Rizzo.

As the new student in school, Ruth’s Sandy was winsome and overwhelmed by life in the beginning but found her inner sass as the show progressed. Her vocals were clear and well sung although both her and Livermore’s solo verses in “Summer Nights” were almost overpowered by the large chorus.

Chase Livermore was convincingly tough yet vulnerable as Danny. He certainly had the look and swagger of the character. His vocal range was up to the challenge, but his falsetto was light and difficult to hear at times.

Rizzo, as played by Jessica Ortiz, came close to stealing the show with brash and brassy solos like “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” and “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” She belted her songs and skillfully played a teenaged temptress who covered her own insecurity with a crusty persona.

“Those Magic Changes” and “Rock’n’roll Party Queen” as performed by Derek Gieraltowski and Vinnie Lowerre were like listening to 1950s radio all over again.

“Freddy My Love,” sung by Ann Marie Lowerre, oozed teenage puppy love. Waylon O’Donnell tried in vain to convince Adriana O’Donnell to go back to school in “Beauty School Dropout.”

Allison Torres and Vinnie Lowerre had everyone laughing with “Mooning.” And not to be overlooked, the chorus bounced through “We Go Together” and really excelled on “Hand Jive.”

Choreography was both complex and simple due to the number of people on stage. The large cast and limited space available made extensive dance sequences impossible but choreographer Mandi Gilliland managed to design line dances that let everyone on stage have fun.

The “Hand Jive” sequence was particularly good.

The pit orchestra led by Tommy Walters kept the tempo moving and coped well with the rock ‘n’ roll rhythms. Since the scenes changed frequently, the stage sets were basic, which allowed the audience to use imagination.

The Butler Musical Theater Guild’s well-performed songs and peppy dances blended with teenage romance made everyone want to dig out old poodle skirts and leather jackets. Remember: Grease Is The Word!