07 Aug Theatre Aspen puts new spin on ‘Grease’
The enduring appeal of “Grease” has carried the musical across generations for more than five decades. Now, Theatre Aspen’s production, running July 31 to Aug. 29 at the Hurst Theatre, 470 Rio Grande Place, is aiming to show audiences there’s still something new to discover in the classic.
With its infectious rock ‘n’ roll score, iconic Pink Ladies and T-Birds and high-energy choreography, “Grease” has all the ingredients of a crowd-pleaser. This summer’s production is directed by Patrick O’Neill, who returns after leading Theatre Aspen’s holiday cabarets for the past two seasons.
“He uses elements from the movie, from the musical, has moved some scenes around and has made some different casting choices,” cast member Nina Gabianelli said. “It’s a really great concept of the show.”
The story remains familiar: After a summer romance, teenagers Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski unexpectedly reunite at the same high school, where they navigate love, friendship and the pressure to fit in.
Bringing those iconic characters to life is a cast of triple threats — performers who sing, dance and act with equal skill.
Chris Robert Hanford makes his Theatre Aspen debut as Danny after playing the role earlier this summer with Wolfbane Productions in Virginia. He previously studied under director Patrick O’Neill, making the production something of a reunion. Hanford’s credits also include the first national tours of “& Juliet” and “An Officer & a Gentleman.”
“I’ve always been a fan of the movie and the role of ‘Danny Zuko.’ It’s a fun one. This is my first season playing the role at a professional theater,” Hanford said.
Broadway’s Drew Redington also makes his Theatre Aspen debut as Kenickie. Though new to the role, Redington has previously worked with director Patrick O’Neill. Redington’s Broadway credits include “Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical,” “Mean Girls,” “The Prom,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Spamalot.”
Redington said O’Neill’s vision gives audiences a fresh way to experience the familiar musical without losing what has made it a classic.
“I think Aspen is in for a real treat. I know the movie and the musical as so many of us do,” Redington said. “From day one, this is going to be a different ‘Grease.’ It still has all the fun stuff that people love from the film, but with some exciting new elements.”
Nevada Riley returns for her third summer season with Theatre Aspen as Sandy. She made her Broadway debut in “Beetlejuice.” Riley, Hanford and Redington also appeared in Theatre Aspen’s “Some Enchanted Evening: The Golden Age of Broadway” cabaret at the Hurst Theatre earlier this summer.
Kiki Lemieux plays Rizzo.
“She’s going to break everyone’s heart,” Redington said. “She’s been a dream to work with.”
Nick Bernardi returns for a second season as Vince Fontaine. The cast also includes DeShawn Travis Bowens as Johnny Casino and Emilee Hassanzadeh as Marty.
O’Neill brings a clever casting choice, having Gabianelli play both the high school principal, Mrs. Lynch, and a Teen Angel.
“I have known about this show for more than 40 years, longer than these kids have been alive. And I think it’s a really interesting look back at it,” Gabianelli said.
Hanford and Redington said one of O’Neill’s biggest contributions has been encouraging the cast to dig deeper into their characters and to ask questions that go beyond the script.
“Where are the parents?” Redington said, describing the conversations during rehearsals. “What shaped these characters?”
That approach adds a new dimension to a musical audiences know well. “Grease” premiered in Chicago in 1971, with music, lyrics and a book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, before moving to Broadway the following year. When it closed in 1980 after 3,388 performances, it had become the longest-running production in Broadway history at the time.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John introduced “Grease” to an even broader audience. Theatre Aspen’s production nods to that legacy by opening with the movie’s signature song, “Grease,” written by Barry Gibb and performed by Frankie Valli, Redington’s favorite number in the show.
Fan favorites will likely include “Grease Lightnin’” and “Hand Jive,” according to cast members.
“A surprise has been the combination of how much dancing there is and the high altitude,” Hanford said.
Redington added, “It is wild. I can’t walk up a hill.”
Hanford also noted, “You have to pace yourself and breathe deep when you can.”
Additional creative team includes Associate Choreographer Bryan Hunt, Music Director Adam Beskind, Scenic Designer Rakkulchon, Lighting Designer Moon, Sound Designer Sherwood, Costume Designer Dustin Cross and Wig Designer Jeff Knaggs.
It’s a musical the whole family can enjoy, and learn the songs in advance of attending the show.
The run time is two hours and 12 minutes. For more information and tickets, please visit TheatreAspen.org or call 970-925-9313.