MSU harks back to 1959 with the original version of version of GREASE, the musical, which opened on Broadway in 1971. It’s a little rougher and raunchier than the 1978 movie and recent live version on Fox TV — suggesting, as dramaturg Karen Vance points out in the program, "both an homage and gritty commentary on a unique era of American teenage history” as working class teenagers navigate the rocky road of peer pressure, identity and values. Still, it’s joyful and exuberant, showcasing great voices and wonderful dancing that evokes the era and kicks it up a notch with acrobatics and imaginative moves. Kudos to director/choreographer Brad Willcuts.

All voices are great, and several of the guys put Frankie Valli to shame with their soaring falsettos. Music Director Dave Wendelberger conducts and plays keyboard in a rockin’ 7-piece combo. The set (Lex Van Blommenstein) is somewhat dingy and vacant, suggesting a high school that could use a rise in tax millage, but versatile with rolling pieces that make plenty of room for dancing, and the coveted car “Greased Lightning.” 

Highlights included an energetic, acrobatic, tough-yet-vulnerable Danny played by Lukas Jacob. Sandy (Shelby Antel) was appropriately prim and dreamy, before she absorbed the gospel according to Rizzo (a powerful Katlyn Wilson “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”) and makes her transformation. A high point was the FABulous Blaine Mizer as an unexpected version of Teen Angel that foreshadowed a dash of David Bowie. He ruled the stage for his “Beauty School Dropout” number.

GREASE continues on the Pasant Stage at MSU’s Wharton Center:

Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2:00pm
Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 8:00pm
*Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 7:30pm
**Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:30pm
Friday, April 22, 2016 at 8:00pm
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00pm
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 8:00pm
Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 2:00pm

*   Director Pre-Show Discussion, Sunday, April 17, 2016, 1:15.
** Post-Show Discussion on Thursday, April 21, 2016. (Following the performance)
 
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office; 1.800.WHARTON; www.whartoncenter.com.

​3/31 - 5/1 - Williamston Theatre has another Joseph Zettelmaier world-premiere hit on their hands: THE DECADE DANCE. 

This engaging new script hits that sweet spot between the heart and the brain. Nina, an African American civil rights activist, hooks up with Roger, during a Kent State rally. Their one-night stand turns into a ten-year trip, cleverly intertwined with historical events and social issues. These two are figuring out who they are as our country does some growing up, too. The history never seems forced, but acts as a natural backdrop helping us get to know these people.

Those of us who lived through the 70s will bring our own historical backdrop, so we can more easily relate to this unlikely couple. They “dance” through the decade in ten specifically dated scenes that offer romance, history, laughs and insights. Younger audiences will also enjoy it, since the relationship between these two characters is strong enough to intrigue us, even without the nostalgia factor.

Both actors bring a genuine sincerity and charm as they grow up before our eyes. Nina Mitchenor flows naturally from righteous anger through humor and nurturing as the activist Nina. Mitchell Koory is a charming comic-book guy with “issues,” complete with that great 70’s mustache and hair. 

The set (Bartley Bauer) features a wonderful arch of iconic 70s images and a versatile set of rolling couch/cube parts that become many locations. The set changes were danced into place backed by pop hits of the era (sound, Julia Garlotte). I believe the changes were done by Madelayne Shammas and Derek Ridge (listed as “crew”) who channeled a dash of disco, to the delight of the audience.

Conversation Sunday: April 24, 2016 - 4pm after the show - open to all, even those who saw the show on a different day.

www.williamstontheatre.com
(517) 655-SHOW (7469)