CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. (CAST) is entering the final stages of rehearsal to present eight sold-out performances of the smash hit musical, GREASE
CAST presents GREASE August 9-11 and 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 3 p.m.
Originally, CAST had scheduled six performances. But when tickets were posted for sale online, they were sold out in less than 24 hours. CAST added two additional performances, which sold out online in less than six hours, with a few remaining reserved tickets sold at the office.
The three-time Tony Award best musical winner for the original and twice revived productions is coming to CAST for the third time. The first was in its opening season in 1983, and it was produced again 11 years ago.
Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950’s in this rollicking musical.
Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights,” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.
An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions place GREASE among the world’s most popular musicals.
Get out your saddle shoes and bobby-socks and grease those DA’s because “Those Summer Nights” are back!
Included in the cast are Chase Wise as Danny, Rachel Duke as Sandy, Caleb Strouse as Kenickie, Emily Kizina as Rizzo, Brandon Gunter as Doody, Abby Houston as Frenchy, Erin Brimmeier as Marty, Dawson Lynch as Roger, Reilly Brown as Jan, Gavin Starr as Sonny, Emma Potter as Patty, Ryan Sayers as Eugene, Sarah Jo Young as Miss Lynch, Chris Shaffer as Vince Vontain, Richie Shaffer as Johnny Casino, Brandi Billotte as Cha Cha and Alex Davis as Teen Angel. The ensemble is made up of Kennedi Boal, Paul Brimmeier, Misti Bruner, Kristen Duttry, Chrissy Francis, Amanda Hertlein, Amber Wales and Tim Weidow.
This production is directed by CAST board president, Lew Duttry, with CAST board secretary, Catherine Mandell, as musical director, and CAST treasurer, Mason Strouse, as assistant director.
Beth Shaffer is stage director. Dana Timko serves as choreographer, with Trevor Sones as her assistant. Greg Norris is designing the set, and Steven Kumm and Kristie Johnston are designing lights.
The pit band is made up for Robert Roxby as conductor/piano, Jake Detelic on drums, Chuck Bungo on guitar, Jacob Mandell on saxophone, Rich Horton on keyboard and John Hagyard on bass.
CAST is thankful to CNB Bank and Casteel Chiropractic for sponsoring this production.
During intermission, snacks will be available in the green room for a donation, and chances to win a DVD copy of the 40th Anniversary Edition of GREASE will be sold.
Rose Smith will have watercolors on display in the lobby.
For more information, visit www.ClearfieldArts.org or call 814-765-4474. The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CAST is a non-profit arts center located at 112 E Locust St., in the heart of Downtown Clearfield.