Grease! gained a cult following after the release of the hit movie version of the Broadway musical, with star power like John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Stockard Channing leading the way.
Now, Grease! will be performed on the Shore Regioanal stage for the first time since it debuted there in 2000. Here’s the story: Danny and Sandy fall for each other during a carefree summer fling. But, when the school year begins, Danny is torn between his feelings for good-girl Sandy and his image with the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies.
Seniors Michael McArdle (Danny Zuko) & Mackenzie Deerin (Sandy) lead the way for this talented cast of 29 that features new faces as well as many recognizable ones. Shore Players veterans like Hannah Stone (Jan), Jake Cameron (Kenickie), Emily Mitro (Rizzo), Robbie Mills (Vince Fontaine), Michael Sweeney (Roger) & Thomas Dougherty (Doodie) bring the spirit of the Shore Players we’ve come to know and love, while the fresh faces of Melissa Granet (Marty), Taylor Lopez (Frenchie) & Mark Massaro (Sonny LaTieri) give Shore Players a new look in the 2013 season.
One fresh face new to Shore Players is that of the burly, Italian “Teen Angel” (who also doubles as “Johnny Casino”) who goes by the name of Robert Braga. Be prepared to be blown away by this crooner, whose soothing tones can be easily mistaken for that of the one and only Tony Bennett. You won’t want to miss this performance.
Director, Todd Aikens is known for his affiliation with this hit musical, after touring nationally as the slick, fast-talking disc jockey, Vince Fontaine, for over two years.
Aikens also played an integral role in Shore Players’ first production of Grease! 12 years ago. Marcy Manfredi, Musical Director, with several Broadway credits of her own (Phantom of the Opera & Cats), has also toured as a swing in Grease! and was actually cast as a swing in the original Broadway production of Grease! Assistant Director, Jay Giberson, made his stage debut in the aforementioned 2000 production of Shore Players’ Grease!
Choreographer Tara Eccles has had her share of experience with this show as a dance captain and ensemble member in two different productions with Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank. Needless to say, the production staff at Shore Players has an affinity for Grease! and is prepped and ready to go.
Tickets are now on sale for Grease!
Advanced ticket rates: $12 Adults, $10 Students/Seniors
All tickets purchased at the door: $15
Performances for Grease! will begin with a special, sneak peek performance for seniors on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. All other performances: Fridays and Saturdays, March 8-16 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.!
To reserve tickets, call (732) 222-9300 ext.2550 or email shoreplayerstix@shoreregional.org. If you’d like to purchase tickets in person, please see our website for a schedule of times tickets will be on sale: www.shoreregional.org/page/300
Be sure to arrive especially early in order to participate in Vince Fontaine’s Pre-Show Dance Contest. Prizes will be awarded to winners & those who come in 50s garb!
