The Rockaway Theatre Company’s production of “Grease” wastes no time introducing itself as nearly the whole cast hits the stage in a burst of lights, choreographed dance, energy and song. “Grease is the word,” their combined voices belt outward.
“Grease” runs July 24 through August 9, at RTC’s John Gilleece Theater at Fort Tilden. Showtimes are Fridays/Saturdays, July 24/25, July 31/August 1, and August 7/8, plus Thursdays, July 30 and August 6, at 8 p.m. and Sundays, July 26 and August 2 and 9 at 2 p.m.
Although the show is sold out, RTC advises those looking for tickets to come to the theater one hour before showtime to put their names on a wait list. If people who have reserved seats online don’t show up, those tickets will be made available just before showtime.
RTC’s production of “Grease,” director Susan Corning explains, “is a fictional story of Rydell High School in 1959, touching on peer pressure, teenage rebellion, and of course – a love story.”
Assistant director Cat Fanning adds, it “follows Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski after a summer romance unexpectedly continues when Sandy transfers to Danny’s school. Around them, the Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys, and their classmates navigate friendship, first love, peer pressure, and the sometimes-uncomfortable journey of figuring out who they are.”
The original stage musical, transitioning from the Kingston Mines nightclub, Chicago, opened off-Broadway in 1972. Later moving to Broadway, it played a then-record 3,388-performances before closing in 1980. Many know “Grease” from the 1978 film version with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
When it comes to the Rockaway Theatre Company’s new production, Fanning says, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Rydell High and share the energy, humor, and heart that this cast has poured into the production!”
That energy and heart will be infused in every live performance of “Grease,” with its music and dance backed by a rocking, tight seven-piece band.
“Grease,” Fanning notes, “is truly our ‘big summer show,’ in every sense of the word, with a cast of 32 bringing Rydell High to life.”
The RTC cast, which has been rehearsing for months, includes many familiar faces alongside about a half dozen performers making their Rockaway Theatre Company debut. Fanning said, “Georgie Raiola, our ‘Danny,’ is a recognizable face around the theater, with 13 previous RTC credits to his name. This show also welcomes back several actors who first appeared in the RTC’s children’s program, and have now returned as adults after college, including our ‘Sandy,’ Kristen McQuaid. It has been exciting to watch them come full circle and see them step back onto our stage!”
Of course, one thing that keeps old and new audiences coming back to experience “Grease” are the iconic songs still spinning on many a playlist. Spotlighting one or two numbers, Fanning admits, is a tough choice. While she loves favorites like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lighting,” she said, “one of the joys of working on the stage version has been rediscovering songs that weren’t included or were relegated to background music in the film, such as ‘Those Magic Changes’ and ‘Freddy My Love.’”
“I love all the songs from ‘Grease!’,” Corning added.
What also puts the show in motion from start to finish are its carefully choreographed dance scenes, sometimes involving the whole cast. Fanning noted, “In a show with so many catchy dance numbers, ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ is one that stands out to me for its deep emotional authenticity and vulnerability.”
Putting a show like this all together, RTC members point out, is the work of many hands. All, from costumers to props people, set builders, lighting specialists, painters, sound engineers and more, have been working diligently for months to provide a seamless showcase for audiences, one which presents this production at its best.
“It takes a village to make the director’s vision come to life,” Corning said, in describing “Grease’s” lead creative ‘dream team’. Beyond Fanning and herself, that team includes musical director Rich Louis-Pierre, choreographer Nicola DePierro and stage manager Nora Myers, as well as assistant choreographer Lorna Fontana and assistant stage manager Julia Paulsen.
Of course, Corning and Fanning put the “Grease” cast at the top of their list. They have, Fanning said “been an absolute delight to work with! They have embraced every challenge we’ve thrown at them with tremendous enthusiasm, and they’ve really worked hard to make these characters their own rather than just imitations of previous portrayals.
“What has impressed me most is the sense of community they’ve built. They genuinely enjoy creating theatre together. Our rehearsals are often filled with laughter, and I think audiences will feel that energy the moment they walk into the theatre.”
One of the biggest, yet rewarding challenges she said, has been “…finding the balance between honoring a beloved classic and making it our own while presenting it for a modern audience.
“‘Grease’ has become such an iconic part of American musical theatre that many people arrive with strong memories of the show or the film, and for many people, Danny and Sandy are synonymous with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.”
That level of cultural recognition “carries a certain sense of responsibility along with the need to do more than offer a pale imitation of what has gone before.” Plus addressing the way audiences view the show differently than they did 50 years ago.
“Whether ‘Grease’ is an old favorite, or this will be your first time stepping into the world of Rydell High, we hope audiences come ready to have fun!” Corning said. “Beneath the nostalgia, memorable songs, and lively dance numbers is a story about friendship, identity, and the excitement and uncertainty of growing up, experiences that remain just as relatable today as they were in 1959.”
Corning adds it’s “about sitting back, relaxing, and just enjoying the Rockaway Theatre Company live theater production of ‘Grease’—at its very best!”
What’s next? Tickets are currently available for RTC’s two upcoming productions, the sharp satirical comedy, “The Importance Of Being Ernest” and “The Big Beautiful 30-ish Anniversary Spectacular” at www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org.
Photos by Dan Guarino.
