Grease (musical) Totally Explained

Everything about Grease Musical totally explained

ť This article is about the stage musical. For the 1978 film of the same name, see Grease (film).

Grease is a musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It takes its name from the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as the greasers. The musical, set in 1959 in fictional Rydell High in Chicago, focuses on the romance between high schoolers Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski and tackles such social issues as teenage pregnancy and gang violence; its themes include love, friendship, teenage rebellion, sexual exploration during adolescence and, to some extent, class consciousness/class conflict. The show's score celebrates '50s rock and roll as well as doo-wop and other contemporary styles.
The show became the longest-running Broadway musical in history, until it was beaten by A Chorus Line, and went on to become a West End hit, a hugely successful film, a popular 1994 Broadway revival, and a staple of regional theatre, summer stock, community theatre, and high school and middle school drama groups.

Production history

The show's original 1971 incarnation was a play with incidental music staged at the Kingston Mines Theater in the Old Town section of Chicago. Producers Ken Waissman and Maxine Fox saw it and suggested to the playwrights it might work better as a full-scale musical, and told them if they were willing to rework it and if they liked the end result, they'd produce it off-Broadway. The team headed to New York City and after additional collaboration and refinements, Grease opened at the Eden Theatre in downtown Manhattan on February 14, 1972. Excellent reviews and brisk box-office business prompted the producers to move it to Broadway.
   The Broadway production, directed by Tom Moore and choreographed by Patricia Birch (who later directed the ill-fated sequel of the film adaptation of Grease), opened on June 7 1972 at the Broadhurst Theatre, where it ran for five months before transferring to the Royale Theatre. It remained there for more than seven years before moving to the Majestic Theatre to complete its record-setting 3,388-performance run. The original cast included Barry Bostwick as Danny and Carole Demas as Sandy, with Adrienne Barbeau, Timothy Meyers, and Walter Bobbie in supporting roles. Replacements later in the run included Jeff Conaway, Marilu Henner, Peter Gallagher, Ilene Graff, Judy Kaye, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta, Jerry Zaks, and Treat Williams. Richard Gere was an understudy for many roles in this production, including Danny Zuko, Teen Angel, and Vince Fontaine.
   The original London production opened at the New London Theatre in June 1973 with a cast that included a then-unknown Richard Gere as Danny and Kim Braden as Sandy. Later Paul Nicholas and Elaine Paige who had been in the London production of Hair took over the leads. It was revived in London at the Astoria in 1979 with Su Pollard and Tracey Ullman. In 1993, a London revival ran for six years beginning on July 15, 1993, at the Dominion Theatre and transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in October 1996, where it ran until September 11, 1999. Directed by David Gilmore, the opening cast included Craig McLachlan (Danny), Debbie Gibson (Sandy), Shane Ritchie (Kenickie) and Sally Ann Triplett (Rizzo). (Variety, Review Abroad Grease, 8/2/93-8/8/93) Other performers who played Danny were Luke Goss, Ian Kelsey, and Darren Day.
   After twenty previews, a Broadway revival directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun opened on May 11 1994 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, where it ran for 1,505 performances. Featured were Ricky Paull Goldin (Danny), Brooke Shields and Rosie O'Donnell (Rizzo), Susan Wood (Sandy), Megan Mullally (Marty), Hunter Foster (Roger), and Paul Castree (Eugene). A U.S. national tour of the 1994 production started in September 1994 in New Haven, Connecticut, and ran for several years. The opening tour cast included Sally Struthers (Miss Lynch), who stayed with the tour for several years, Angela Pupello (Rizzo), Rex Smith (Danny), Trisha M. Gorman (Sandy), and Davy Jones (actor) (Vince Fontaine). Brooke Shields (Rizzo) started on the tour in November 1994 before joining the Broadway cast. Other notable performers on the tour were Mickey Dolenz (Vince Fontaine), Adrian Zmed (Danny), Debbie Gibson, Heather Stokes, Mackenzie Phillips and Jasmine Guy (Rizzo), Sutton Foster (Sandy) and Marissa Jaret Winokur (Jan). A second Broadway revival, directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, began previews at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on July 24, 2007 and opened on August 19 2007. Max Crumm and Laura Osnes were selected to portray Danny and Sandy via viewer votes cast during the run of the NBC reality series . The original score includes four songs written for the film adaptation: "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Sandy," "You're the One That I Want," and the title number. A West End revival, with the leads similarly cast via ITV's Grease Is The Word, opened at the Piccadilly Theatre, London on August 8, 2007 to negative reviews.
   The Asian tour opened in Macau in October and has booked dates for Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Pusan, Taegu, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Dubai, and various cities in India, and brought back the controversial cockfight scene during the Rydell Fight Song.

Synopsis

Act I

In 1959, Rydell High School's rebellious, happy, thrill-loving students start a new year. The "greasers" are comprised of the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies ("Alma Mater Parody"). The start of the new school year means lousy food ("You want my coleslaw?") and dreaded teachers ("I got Old Lady Lynch for English again. She hates my guts."). The Pink Ladies sit on one side of the lunchroom, and the Burger Palace Boys sit on the other.
   There's a new girl at school, Sandy Dumbrowski. She and the leader of the Burger Palace Boys, Danny Zuko, had a brief love affair the summer before, but the summer ended for them with unresolved feelings. In describing the fling to the Pink Ladies (Jan, Marty, Frenchy, and Betty Rizzo), Sandy focuses on the emotional attachment she and Danny had, while Danny, brags to the Boys (Roger, Doody, Sonny, and Kenickie) about the physical aspects of their relationship ("Summer Nights"). Sandy and Danny soon bump into each other at school, and while Sandy is happy to see Danny, he blows her off, pretending to be too cool. Rock star wannabe Doody gives an impromptu concert in the hall ("Those Magic Changes").
   At Marty's pajama party, the girls experiment with wine, cigarettes and pierced ears, and talk about boys. Marty tells about her long-distance courtship with a Marine ("Freddy, My Love"). Meanwhile, the Burger Palace Boys are busy stealing hubcaps and teasing Kenickie about his new (used) car ("Greased Lightnin'").
   Danny sees Sandy again and tries to apologize for his behavior, but she's hurt to find out that he's told his friends that she's "easy." Head cheerleader Patty Simcox interrupts to prompt Sandy to join the squad and to tease Danny about his latest indiscretions. The kids take their newfangled portable radios for a rock and roll picnic in the park and plan how they'll pair off at the upcoming school dance, while Roger shares his love for Jan and his favorite hobby ("Mooning"). Rizzo teases Danny for falling for a girl who resembles the excessively proper teenage ingenue, Sandra Dee ("Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee"). Sandy realizes that Danny is putting her off to be cool and wishes she'd never met him.
   Then the guys suggest that Marty to go out with Eugene, and she chases after them. The kids declare that they'll "always be together" ("We Go Together").

Act II

At the High School Hop, everyone is dancing, except Sandy. She's home feeling sorry for herself ("It's Raining on Prom Night"). Meanwhile the favorite radio DJ of the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, Vince Fontaine, is the MC at the dance, which takes place in the gym. He's warming the kids up for a dance contest. Kenickie dumps his blind date and pairs off with his usual girl, Rizzo. Danny enters the contest with Kenickie's cast-off, Cha-Cha DeGregorio, and they win ("Born to Hand Jive").
A few days later at the Burger Palace after school, a couple of the guys run into Frenchy who flunked out of Rydell and has now dropped out of beauty school having failed all her classes.("Beauty School Dropout"). Danny, who has taken up track in order to win back Sandy's affections, doesn't know that the guys have been challenged to a rumble by Cha-Cha's boyfriend's gang. He's more concerned about patching things up with Sandy at the Twi-Light Drive In, but he moves too fast for her, and she leaves ("All Alone at a Drive-In Movie"). The "greasers" are having a party, as Doody and Roger sing "Rock and Roll Party Queen." Rizzo is worried that she's pregnant, but she's so mad at Kenickie that she tells him he's not the father. Rizzo rejects the kids' offers of help, especially Sandy's ("There Are Worse Things I Could Do"). Sandy wonders what she needs to do to fit in at Rydell ("Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" (Reprise)).
The next time Sandy meets up with the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, she's transformed herself into a greaser's dream date, leaving Danny "All Choked Up." Rizzo is relieved to learn that she isn't pregnant, and she and Kenickie reunite. All ends happily ("We Go Together" (Reprise)).

Roles and notable cast

Sandy Dombrowski — New in town, wholesome, pure, kind, and innocent girl. Originally from Australia and was planning to move back there after the summer, but changed plans and went to Rydell High. She's a goody-goody and doesn't smoke or drink, and is teased about it by the Pink Ladies. Falls in love with Danny Zuko over the holidays. (soprano)

ť Notable Sandys include Carole Demas, Debbie Gibson, Laura Osnes, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Lea Salonga, Christiane Noll, Elaine Paige, and Sutton Foster.

Danny Zuko — Handsome, cocky leader of the Burger Palace Boys. A greaser who is cool and likes monkeys. Falls in love with Sandy Dombrowski over the holidays. (tenor or baritone) ť Notable Dannys include Barry Bostwick, Richard Gere, John Travolta, Treat Williams, Patrick Swayze, Adrian Zmed, Craig McLachlan, Rex Smith, Jonathan Wilkes, Ricky Paull Goldin, Max Crumm, Ian Kelsey, Greg Evigan, Jarrod Carland, Peter Gallagher, Jeff Conaway, Jon Secada, Danny Bayne, Justin Almazar

Betty Rizzo — Tough & sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies gang. Doesn't like to hang out with Sandy because she's not tough enough. Smokes and drinks and doesn't care what others think of her. (mezzo-soprano) ť Notable Rizzos include Adrienne Barbeau, Lucy Lawless, Rosie O'Donnell, Debbie Gibson, Danica McKellar, Linda Blair, Debby Boone, Sheena Easton, Jasmine Guy, Joely Fisher, Maureen McCormick, Mackenzie Phillips, Jody Watley, Brooke Shields, Jenny Powers, and Dannii Minogue.

Frenchy — dropped out of high school to enter Beauty School. Fun-loving and foolish. A little light headed and in her own world and dumb. Cares a lot about her appearance. A member of the Pink Ladies gang. ť Notable Frenchys include Tracey Ullman.

Marty — Most attractive member of the Pink Ladies gang. A little slow and she likes older guys.(mezzo-soprano) ť Notable Martys included Marilu Henner and Megan Mullally.

Teen Angel — Guardian Angel from above that tries to guide Frenchy when she drops out of beauty school. (tenor or baritone) ť Notable Teen Angels include Donny Most, Davy Jones, Chris Colfer, Eddie Mekka, Chubby Checker, John Farnham, Mary Bond Davis, Jennifer Holliday, Al Jarreau, Darlene Love, Taylor Hicks and Felix Healy.

Vince Fontaine — An egotistical, slimy radio disk jockey trying to relive his teenage years. ť Notable Vinces include Micky Dolenz, Joe Piscopo, Jeff Conaway and Peter Scolari.

Doody — The youngest member of the Burger Palace Boys. Generally foolish, and gullible.(tenor) ť Notable Doodys include Martin Ericsson, John Travolta, Ryan Patrick Binder and Sam Harris

Jan — Funny, loud, overweight and awkward member of the Pink Ladies . (mezzo-soprano) ť Notable Jans include Jamie Donnelly, Mimi Kennedy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur

Kenickie — A tough and rude member of the Burger Palace Boys. (baritone) ť Notable Kenickies include Shane Ritchie

Roger — An overweight and jolly prankster member of the Burger Palace Boys; loves Jan. (tenor) ť Notable Rogers include Walter Bobbie (1972), Hunter Foster (1994 revival)

Cha-Cha. Real name is Charlotte DeGrigorio. Apparently the best dancer at St. Bernadette's. Wins the dancing competition with Danny. (alto) ť Notable Cha-Chas include Jennifer Cody

Eugene Florczyk — A silly, pompous but gullible nerd.

Johnny Casino — All-American, rock-star student at Rydell High. (baritone) ť Notable Johnnys include Micky Dolenz, Josh Jimineze, and Glenn Carter

Miss Lynch — A no-nonsense, serious, loud, English teacher. ť Notable Miss Lynches include Dody Goodman and Sally Struthers

Patty Simcox — A pretty, peppy, cheerleader. Loud and over excited. A bit of a pain and unpopular with the Pink Ladies. Nominated for Student council. ť Notable Pattys include Dominique Dawes

Sonny LaTierri — The funny, Italian-American. "Wise Guy" of the Burger Palace Boys.

Burger Palace Boys — The boys' gang of working-class "greasers-to-be."

Pink Ladies — The snooty elitist girls' gang.

Song list

Act I

Prologue - Instrumental

Grease** - Company

Alma Mater † - Miss Lynch, Patty Simcox, Eugene Florczyk & Company

Alma Mater Parody † - Kids, Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys

Summer Nights - Sandy Dumbrowski, Danny Zuko, Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys, Eugene & Patty

Those Magic Changes - Doody, Burger Palace Boys in Gym locker

Freddy, My Love - Marty, Pink Ladies

Greased Lightning - Kenickie and Burger Palace Boys

Rydell Fight Song - Sandy Dumbrowski & Patty Simcox

Mooning - Roger and Jan

Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee - Betty Rizzo

We Go Together - Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys

Act II

Shakin' at the High School Hop - The Company

It's Raining on Prom Night - Sandy Dumbrowski, Jan & Radio Singer

Shakin' at the High School Hop (Reprise) † - Orchestra & Kids

Born to Hand Jive - Vince Fontaine & Company (Takes place in a Gym)

Hopelessly Devoted to You ** -- Sandy Dumbrowski, outside of school steps

Beauty School Dropout - Teen Angel and Female Angels

Sandy ** - Danny Zuko (Drive In)

Alone at a Drive in Movie † 2007; Replaced by "Sandy"- Danny Zuko and Burger Palace Boys

Rock N'Roll Party Queen - Doody and Roger

There are Worse Things I Could Do - Betty Rizzo

Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) - Sandy Dumbrowski

You're the One That I Want ** -- Danny Zuko, Sandy Dumbrowski and Company

All Choked Up † - Sandy Dumbrowski, Danny Zuko, Pink Ladies & Burger Palace Boys

We Go Together (Reprise) - Cast
**Notes: newly added to the 2007 revival: "Grease" written by Barry Gibb, "Hopelessly Devoted to You" written by John Farrar; "Sandy" written by Louis St. Louis and Scott Simon; "You're the One That I Want" written by John Farrar. †Not in 2007 revival.
Awards and nominations

1972 production

Tony Award for Best Musical (nominee)

Tony Award for Best Book (nominee)

Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Barry Bostwick, nominee)

Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Timothy Meyers, nominee)

Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Adrienne Barbeau, nominee)

Tony Award for Best Costume Design (nominee)

Tony Award for Best Choreography (nominee)

Theatre World Award (Barbeau, winner)

Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (winner)

Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Costume Design (winner)
1994 revival

Theatre World Award (Brooke Shields, winner)

Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (nominee)

Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Marcia Lewis, nominee)

Tony Award for Best Choreography (nominee)

Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical (Sam Harris, nominee)

Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (nominee)
2007 revival

Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (nominee)
Footnotes

Further Information
Get more info on 'Grease Musical'.

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