News and Cast Information
Congratulations to the 2022 CAST of GREASE !
Performance Dates AUGUST 5,6,7 & 12,13,14, 2022
Sponsored by: Mitchell Radio Group & Toshiba
"GREASE!" is the Word at ACT
by
Carol Grode-HanksMitchell is fortunate to have a community theatre dedicated to nurturing new talent and bringing a little bit of Broadway to the Midwest. Mitchell Area Community Theatre delightfully delivered a nostalgic reboot of the familiar classic, Grease as their Season 30 opening show.With the book, music, and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, “Grease” premiered in an experimental theater in Chicago during 1971. The following year, “Grease” opened on Broadway, and in 1979, became the longest-running show in Broadway history. The movie version starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John was released in 1978. Most are familiar with the story of Rydell High School class of 1959, which revolves around the budding romance between the heartthrob bad boy of the school, Danny Zuko (Robert Tople) and the sweet,good-girl Sandy Dumbrowski (Ashley Gaspar). Ashley’s performance as Sandy was perfectly sweet and her voice was a pleasure to listen to. Her transformation at the end of the show was believable, and she appeared to enjoy playing the role.“Beauty School Dropout” had the audience laughing and appreciating the notable costuming and clear camaraderie amongst the ensemble. While only on stage for this one number, Teen Angel (Grace ReckVilla) was the highlight of the second act. Her vocal performance suggests her theatrical debut will become customary as we will definitely want to see more of her on the stage.The Pink Ladies, played by Kelsee Hartman (Marty), Natalie McCloud (Jan), LizBeth Spinar (Rizzo), and Brittan Flanagan (Frenchy), maintained a great group chemistry. The group did well at illustrating that even the popular girls have insecurities and problems. Spinar evoked sympathy from the audience in her beautifully sung, “There are Worst Things I Could Do”. Hartman’s command of the stage is evident in her perfect performance of “Freddy My Love.”Riley Harrington (Kenickie) leads the Burger Palace Boys (Tessa DeWitt, Mary Pazour, Matthew Schilling)in the hit, “Greased Lightin,” where they dream about cars, speed, and racing. The second act has the boys back and “Alone at a Drive-In Movie.” Half of the Burger Palace Boys are cross-cast and are convincingly played. Roger (Mary Pazour) adds charismatic humor and offers a stellar performance in “Mooning.”One of the audience favorites is Eugene Florczyk (Matthew Bailey), the comical nerd who adds the necessary quirkiness and comedy to the storyline. Bailey, a seasoned performer, effortlessly evokes roars of laughter on cue. There were several cast members new to the ACT stage, and as a community, we hope they continue to share their talents.The familiar music, the universal story, and the nostalgic set, combined with a cast committed to bringing quality productions to the Mitchell stage, will likely keep the seats full this weekend so be sure to get your tickets soon.Performances this weekend are at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, August 12-13, and 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 14th.