Summer Dramatics’ high-octane ‘Grease’ honors the past and powers into the present
Few titles come with as much pop-cultural resonance as “Grease,” a high school jukebox musical where leather jackets reign supreme, love is as unpredictable as a sock hop, and a makeover can change a life. In this spirited, sprawling new production from Summer Dramatics Project, “Grease” bursts back onto the stage. Featuring a huge cast of 71, all under the age of 25, the show is both a lively tribute to 1950s Americana and a deeply personal farewell to longtime Summer Dramatics Project mentor Gordon Cavalero, whose memory permeates every corner of this high-octane production.
At the show’s center is the romance between the swaggering Danny Zuko and the sweet Sandy Dumbrowski. Zach Marra brings a machismo and a surprisingly tender falsetto to Danny, most notably in the plaintive “Alone at the Drive-In.” Reese Curry handles Sandy’s transformation with aplomb — shifting convincingly from tearful innocence to spandexed self-possession. Her strong vocals and confident stage presence make Sandy’s iconic evolution all the more moving.
But this production wisely doesn’t rest solely on Sandy or Danny. Director Marissa Wagner makes full use of the large ensemble and the entire theater itself. The aisles come alive during immersive production numbers like “We Go Together” and “Greased Lightning,” with the chorus spilling into the audience in choreographed waves. During “Beauty School Dropout,” Frenchy (played with sincere warmth by the magnetic Mia McGrady) is serenaded by the Teen Angel (Isaac Hixon, channeling Bobby Vinton with campy precision) as beauticians in shower caps weave theatrically through the aisles.
The production’s sense of scale never overshadows its attention to character. Rachel Loreen brings a raw emotionality to Rizzo, undercutting her tough girl presence with mournful defiance in “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” Andrew Skrastins’ Kenickie exudes a shambling charm, while Aara DiCerbo’s Jan lands every comedic beat with precision. Marty, as played by Delaney Ray, infuses “Freddy My Love” with poise and polished phrasing, while Jacob Scanlon, as Doody, delivers a heartfelt “These Magic Changes.” Corban Dunn brings a naughty energy as Roger, the mooning champion of Rydell High.
The details delight: Owen Black is all nebbish charm as Eugene; Lily Narvett's Cha-Cha is a tornado of skilled dancing and sly confidence; Sophia Cornetti’s Patty Simcox is all smiles and sharp elbows, a cheerleader with something to prove. Levi Crawford’s Sonny moves the story along with his confident dialogue. Isabelle Colonna, as the prickly Miss Lynch, gives a masterclass in restrained comedic timing, while Cooper Snow's Johnny Casino is a textbook case of smarmy charisma, expertly creepy in all the right ways.
Wagner’s direction keeps the nearly two-hour run time brisk and tightly focused. The pacing is deft, with big numbers landing with full-throated force and the smaller character moments handled with care. The ensemble never falters, and the full-cast numbers showcase not only choreographic precision but vocal strength across the board. The set, a clever two-level platform with hidden entrances and the occasional surprise like a giant hamburger descending from above, adds flair without overwhelming the performances.
Each performance is dedicated to the late Gordon Cavalero, whose legacy in this company is as enduring as “Grease.” According to the show’s producer, “Grease” was Cavalero’s favorite musical. In the hands of this vibrant young cast, it becomes not just a joyride but a celebration of youth, memory and the people who shape us.
The Summer Dramatics Project’s “Grease” runs at 7:30 p.m. July 25, 26 and at 2 p.m. July 27 at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater. Tickets can be purchased at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com. “Grease” runs 120 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
