The T-birds and Pink Ladies will soon be stopping in town and giving you “the one that you want.”
“Grease,” the classic ’50s musical, will be showing at the Overture Center from Dec. 8 to 13. Two “American Idol” contestants are among the cast including season five winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel and season five contestant Ace Young playing Danny. In addition to the musical talent, the show boasts Tony Award winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall and Tony Award winning scenic designer Derek McLane, along with other Tony nominated creative crewmembers. From the performances to the sets to the lighting, the show is sure to be a hit.
Because “Grease” is such a classic, the bar has been set high for the new cast and crew. From the 1978 movie starring Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, to the previous Broadway tour that ran from 1994 to 1998, the crew has a lot to live up to. There will be a fine line drawn by the performers between keeping the characters true and giving them their own flare.
“It’s a signature role, but I was definitely given creative freedom to be able to make it my own,” Hicks said. “From the costume design to the writing to the R&B line, there are all kinds of ways that I really wanted to make it signature.”
The choreography, sets, costumes and hair developed by the amazing creative crew offer the performers unique ways to make the characters and musical their own. But don’t worry, some of the classic attributes of “Grease” everyone has come to love are still there.
“This particular show has songs from the movie. Everyone can identify with and love the songs off the movie, and some of these songs […] are in the show. That’s what makes this show unique in itself,” Hicks said.
Some of the songs from the movie that will be performed on stage include “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning” and “We Go Together.” “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” will also be included. Along with the well-known songs, all of the gang will be there: Rizzo, Frenchy, Kenickie and, of course, Sandy and Danny. Not only will the audience be able to reconnect with their favorite characters, they can also reminisce about their glory days.
“Everybody loves the storyline. I think everybody can identify with some of the roles in ‘Grease.’ Everybody has gone through those high school years.”
Because the majority of the audience, if not all of the audience, has experienced high school and the friendships that are created there, the cast has the challenge of representing such friendships in a genuine matter. With all of the touring, the cast has become closer and grown as a group, improving the roles with time.
“All of the cast members are great. I think you have to get used to the people that you’re working with. The roles develop over time. You do the show so many times that the role does become easier to do,” Hicks said.
As this is Taylor Hicks’ first role in a Broadway play, there is a bit of pressure to do well, but he chose the role specifically out of other roles he was offered and it will be a treat for audiences to see how he takes the role and makes it his own.
“I wanted to make sure that the […] role that I took was somewhere where I could kinda [sic] get my feet wet in acting and this is a perfect role for me to do that,” Hicks said. “I enjoy my role tremendously, and, of course, when you enjoy your role, that ultimately affects the overall performance of the musical. I think that everyone does that on the show. I think that everyone enjoys their role and it makes for a great musical.”
By keeping it familiar, but adding new flare, “Grease” is sure to be a success. With the strong cast and great crew behind them, the audience is in for a fun-filled, high energy, ’50s classic.
“Grease” will be playing from Dec. 8 to 13, with numerous show times. Tickets are on sale now, with prices ranging from $35 to $70. All seats are reserved.
