The Porthouse Theatre production of “Grease” is the word

“Grease”. Probably one of the most well known Broadway shows and movies adaptations. The show features music, lyrics and book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The name is a triple reference to the cultural phenomena of the 50’s that included the excessive use of hair gel, a diet of greasy burgers and pizza and the hot rod car culture.

In the show, fictional Rydell High School is a reference to rock and roll singer Bobby Rydell and based on Taft High School in Chicago. The show follows the exploits of ten teenagers from the middle class as they deal with peer pressure, rudimentary birth control, gang violence, rebellion, school and their futures.

The 1971 Broadway production was the longest running Broadway show of the time with 3,388 performances through to 1980 and was a West End hit as well. It was also made into a very successful movie in 1978 and has gone on to be a staple of regional theaters across the country. The success of these regional productions depend on one thing...believably. The 50’s were a unique time in America with specific clothing, speech patterns and attitude.

It is the Rydell High Class of 1959 reunion (“Alma Mater”) as prim and proper English teacher Miss Lynch (Lara Troyer) introduces her former teacher pets: cheerleader and yearbook-editor Patty Simcox Honeywell (Sophia Burnell) and class valedictorian Eugene Florczyk (Cole Stellato). Eugene gives a rousing but unmemorable speech as the scene segues back to the first day of high school from years gone by.

The Burger Palace Boys have taken over the steps of the high school as the “Pink Ladies” (complete with custom jackets) hold court in the lunchroom. The two groups sing their version of the alma mater (“Alma Mater Parody”). Frenchy (Lilly Smart) introduces her new neighbor Sandy Dumbrowski (Lucia Lazzara-Goodrich) who was rejected from the Catholic school and forced to attend public school. The Pink Ladies are made up of Frenchy, Marty (Lindsey Smits), Jan (Emmaline Seibert) and Rizzo (Marianna Young) and Pink Lady wannabe Patty.

Sandy tells of a summer romance of unrequited love at the beach “with a student from Lake Forest Academy” as greaser Danny Zuko (Thomas Anstine) brags to his gang about his “conquest” (“Summer Nights”). It soon becomes apparent to the Pink Ladies that Sandy’s summer fling was with Danny. The Pink Ladies arrange an awkward meeting between the two. Sandy is mad that she was deceived but is invited by the girls to a pajama party to cheer her up. At the party, the girls experiment with alcohol, cigarettes and ear piercing (which does not go well with Sandy). With Sandy out of the room the other girls mock her (“Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee”). Marty reveals her long distance relationship with a Marine named Freddy who sends her lavish gifts from Japan (“Freddy My Love”).

While this is going on, the Burger Palace Boys are out stealing hubcaps unaware that they are on Kenickie’s car Greased Lightnin’. The guys mock the car while Kenickie sings about the upgrades he will make to make it race ready (Greased Lightnin’”).

Back at school, Danny sees Sandy at cheerleader practice and tries to apologize but Patty interrupts and flirts with Danny. Patty tells Danny that the track try-outs are coming soon so Danny tells Sandy that he is joining the track team. Danny leaves as Patty and Sandy practice cheering (“Rydell Fight Song”).

Everyone gathers at the park where Danny talks about joining the track team. Jan asks Roger how he ended up with the nick-name “Rump”. He tells her that he has a hobby of mooning (“Mooning”). Sandy is once again the target of the groups jokes and as she arrives attacks Rizzo and assumes that Danny is behind the mockery. Danny blows her off as the group prepares for the upcoming sock-hop.

While full of energy and some great choreography the production falls short in “selling” the 50s. This is no fault of the cast as they try their best. After all these are 2026 kids trying to recreate a 1971 show set in the 50s. A vocal coach might have helped with mastering the vernaculars of the period. The hair cuts are decidedly modern with scant amount of “grease” and the costuming is a hodge podge of supposed 50s outfits (nary a poodle skirt in sight).

With that aside, the show does prove to be very entertaining except the sound system could have used a bit of a boost (especially in the upper seats). Thomas Anstine as Danny has some swagger and a great singing voice. The same is true with Lucia Lazzara-Goodrich as Sandy. Jeremy Szymanski as Roger and Emmaline Seibert as Jan do a nice job on “Mooning” and Matt Gittins “Teen Angel” number is hilarious (especially his exit). The show is fast paced due to Terri J. Kent’s directing.

Fans of Porthouse Theatre will flock to this production and will be hopelessly devoted. It is “the one that you want” to see. Outstanding vocal work on well known standards combined with great choreography make for an enjoyable evening of picnicking and theater.

The Porthouse Theatre production of “Grease” will be on stage through June 27, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.porthousetheatre.com or call (330) 672-3884.