More than 40 years ago, two friends decided to collaborate on a new kind of Broadway show, with music from the late 1950s and characters modeled on classic rock ‘n’ roll types. Eventually, Jim Jacobs’ and Warren Casey’s musical had a name: “Grease.” It was the story of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, who spend their summer days and nights together, falling in love. But when autumn comes, Sandy transfers to Rydell High, where Danny goes to school. She’s surprised to find that Danny is not quite the guy she fell in love with.
The latest local reincarnation is at the Olney Theatre Center, where it is directed by actor/director Bobby Smith, who claims that this “Grease” will fulfill his audience’s expectations.
| Onstage |
| ‘Grease’ |
| Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney |
| When: Through Aug. 28; see website for dates and times |
| Info: Tickets start at $26; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org |
“I learned a long time ago that it’s not my job to reinvent something that’s working,” Smith said. “The subject matter is still the original subject matter. ‘Grease’ is a valentine to the 1950s, and that kind of social commentary about cliques and groups and teenage rebellion is still very relevant today.
“It’s about building character and high school memories. Whether you like it or not, you have those memories. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re not great, but ultimately they’re all something we wish we could go back to. So the whole musical is about how we become what we are through those experiences.”
Smith is emphasizing the lighter aspects of “Grease,” which weren’t evident in the earliest stage version. “The original Broadway show was pretty dark,” he said. “It was a play with music. Certain songs weren’t even in it, like ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You.’
“But things have altered since the original Broadway production and people have come to expect those songs, so we’ve inserted them. I think people want ‘Grease’ to be happy and light.
” ‘Grease’ is a bigger show than most people imagine. There’s a lot of dancing and a lot of scenes. And there these kids are, working on their breaks.”
Smith has chosen young actors for this “Grease.” “I wanted to do the show with people as close to the age of the characters as possible,” he said. Jessica Lauren Ball plays Sandy, and David Bryant Johnson plays Danny. “I’m blessed to have a wonderful, young cast. They’re hard workers and they’re so invested in this musical.”
Local audiences have already shown their enthusiasm for the show, buying tickets in advance. Even before it opened, the run of “Grease” was extended by a week.
