‘Grease’ a longtime dream for several actors in Summer Dramatics Project
BUTLER TWP — Reese McKinnon Curry watched “Grease” on repeat as a child, and she said she wanted to look like Sandy when she was 8 years old.
Finally, McKinnon Curry is fulfilling the dream of her 8-year-old self. She has been cast as Sandy, the musical’s female lead, in Summer Dramatics Project’s production of “Grease.” Other youths and young adults in the program’s production shared aspirations similar to those of McKinnon Curry, and they are all excited to share those dreams with audiences.
“I'm so excited to be part of such an iconic show,” McKinnon Curry said. “’Grease’ is a staple. Everybody has seen ‘Grease.’ Everybody loves ‘Grease.’”
The musical was coming together on Tuesday evening, July 8, as the cast of about 70 people from age 10 to 25 rehearsed at Christ Community Methodist Church. The musical opens July 25 at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater, and tells the story of Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko, who fall in love during the summer and then end up attending the same high school in the fall, according to IMDb.
Marissa Wagner, co-director, said “Grease” was chosen by co-director Gordon Cavalero, and it’s a good choice for young performers because the songs and plot are so recognizable.
“Whether you're young or you're old, everybody knows,” she said. “So everybody in the audience is going to sing; they're all going to really, really enjoy themselves.”
Wagner said she first acted with Summer Dramatics Project when she was 16, and she remains involved with the program because it offers youths a performance outlet during the summer months while school is out. She said many in this year’s musical have performed in the program’s shows in the past. Many return year after year because they make friends during their time there.
Rachel Loreen returned to the Summer Dramatics Project this year after graduating from Slippery Rock University in 2024. She said she’s reunited with old friends she met in the program, and gets to play her dream role — Rizzo — a character she has never played in her many years of acting.
“I'm back here and really wanted to do a show and was really excited Summer Dramatics was doing ‘Grease,’” Loreen said. “I'm very excited to play my dream role of Rizzo.”
While many in the cast are returning to Summer Dramatics Project after having done a show with the program previously, some are coming to it for the first time.
Zach Marra, who plays Danny, said some of his friends planned to join the project this year, and he wanted to join as well after seeing previous Summer Dramatics shows. He said he’s been having a good time in rehearsals.
“For me it's fun because it's a little wacky, it's a little out there, and I think it's a blast overall for everyone watching it or in it,” Marra said.
The “wacky” energy of the original movie was evident during Tuesday’s rehearsal, as actors danced to the music even in scenes they were not in.
Delaney Ray, who plays Marty, said she is most excited for audiences to experience the dancing and singing of the high-energy musical numbers. Her favorite song in the show, “Freddy, My Love,” in which she sings lead, is just one example of the spirited musical numbers made famous by “Grease.”
“We have some really good choreography this year. Really good dancing, a lot of big dance numbers,” Ray said.
Shows are at 7:30 p.m. July 25 and 26 and at 2 p.m. July 27 at Succop Theater, 107 College Drive, Butler Township. The cost is $18 for premium seating and $15 for general admission. Presale tickets can be purchased online at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com.
