July 31, 2002
'Grease' opens tonight at State Theater in TC
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Go Grease Lightenin'!
Opening tonight for a two-week run, "Grease" is back courtesy of a handful of the play's local veterans.
Producer/director Kris Hains is back in the saddle for her third round of poodle skirts, leather jackets and campy tunes that have captured hearts for two generations. She and vocal director Fred Szczepanski and Joe Lambert, who plays a principal role, are reuniting to put on the show, reprising the productions of 1991 and 1997. Two other actors are also back for a second time.
"My first time in it I was 21 at the time and it seemed like a fun thing to do in the summer," Hains recalled. "I honestly think it was the most fun I had on stage."
Hains played Patty Simcox in 1991 and then produced the musical in 1997 as a fund-raiser for the then-struggling Old Town Playhouse, which received a huge fundraising boost from ticket sales. This summer, Hains is producing the show through the local Stage Door Theater Company. She decided to do "Grease" after examining a number of other shows but kept coming back to her old favorite.
"We wanted to do something that would appeal to a lot of people and Grease is fun for both the audience and the cast," she said. "I decided, 'Why reinvent the wheel.'"
Hains said the production stays fresh because every cast bring something different to the show.
"Instead of being like, 'Last time we did it this way,' it can change," she said. "Like Sarah playing Rizzo, she did that part in 1997 but she brings something totally different to it and she has obviously matured since then."
Szczepanski was the vocal director in 1991 and played Teen Angel in 1997. He said "Grease" music and lyrics have become a cult favorite for young people.
"Even the kids who are in school now, when they revise Grease or it comes on TV, every kid knows the words to it," he said. "It is easy to work with the cast because most already know the words to the songs."
Putting on a summer play can be a challenge, given the lures of beaches, sports and summer jobs for many of the late-teen cast. However, Hains and Szczepanski both noted that their cast has been highly committed to an intense rehearsal schedule.
"The kids have been great, they are all very dedicated and just love what they are doing," Szczepanski said. "Of the three productions, this is one of the most promising casts, vocally. They are great."
Joe Lambert plays Kenickie, his first time landing a principal role. In the two previous productions he played Johnny Casino. Lambert loves being involved in plays, yet, ironically, the only times he has ever been on stage is during the three "Grease" productions. Work, family and volunteer commitments keep him too busy in between. So far, he has always made time when Hains calls to recruit him for another go.
"The show is a lot of hard work and I am missing a lot of time at home," said Lambert. "But performing in front of people for me is just a blast."
While he is not in the least stage shy, Lambert does admit he struggles with the dance scenes.
"I'm not the greatest dancer, I'm the first to admit that," Lambert said. "Every time I've done the show it has been a struggle to learn the moves - it just takes me a bit longer to get it."
Grease will be presented at the State Theater beginning Wednesday, July 31. Shows on July 31, August 1, 3, 7, 8 and 10 begin at 8 p.m. Performances on August 2 and 9 will begin at 9:15 because of Friday Night Live. Matinee shows will be held at 2 p.m. on August 4 and 11. Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors and $15 for children and students. For more information, call 922-9320.