Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present “Grease,” a rollicking musical comedy reuniting the audience with familiar characters from the classic 1978 film. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 14-15 and 19-22 in Forest Roberts Theatre. A sensory-friendly Theatre for All matinee will be held at 1 p.m. April 15.
Audience members can celebrate the Rydell High class of 1959 in this iconic rock 'n' roll musical with a toe-tapping score that inspired the smash hit movie adaptation. Characters include the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, 10 working-class teenagers navigating peer pressure, friendship and love. New-to-town good girl Sandy Dumbrowski falls hard for head greaser Danny Zuko when the two meet during the summer, and they later cross paths at high school.
“All of our technical designs, like scenery, lighting, sound and costumes, will, of course, be original, and our cast includes a talented, diverse mixture of performers,” said Paul Truckey, NMU professor and production director. “As a director, my charge is to always honor the writers of the material. In this case, the librettist, composer and lyricist. There is definitely an expectation on the part of the audience as to how they perceive ‘Grease,' mostly based on the movie. We don't see it as a challenge as much as an opportunity to deliver our best version of what is a most beloved story.”
The show follows the movie closely, with some alterations, making it unique. There are numerous versions of the stage play of “Grease,” and NMU's production is an amalgam of several. The performance will include familiar songs from the movie that were not in the original stage version.
“‘Grease' is an exciting production that is a blast to perform in,” said John Thomson, who plays Danny. “It is a silly, energetic production that shows off all of the talented people at NMU. From costumes, set design and lighting to the musicians in the pit and the cast and crew, this show is sure to give people who come see it a great time.”
Both lead actors hope the audience will appreciate the crew's hard work and see how the NMU's Theatre & Dance Department is capable of presenting a high-quality show.
“‘Grease' has been such a blast to perform in,” said Annabelle Lesser acting as Sandy. “I couldn't ask for a better first show at Northern. The cast has had a ton of fun putting it on. The live pit is electric, and the lighting and costume designs work together to transform the Forest Roberts Theatre stage into Rydell High.”
Tickets are $17 for the general public, $12 for NMU faculty and staff, seniors and military, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. Purchase tickets here.