'Grease' Is The Word At Beverly Theatre Guild 60th Season Opener

CHICAGO — Grease is still the word when the Beverly Theatre Guild kicks off its 60th season with a stage production of the knock-your-bobby-socks-off musical “Grease.” Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, with a 2 p.m. matinée Oct. 23 at the Baer Theatre at the Morgan Park Academy Arts Center, 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago.

“Grease” is the beloved rock n’ roll celebration of teen angst, fast cars and first loves, all set in the fabulous fifties. The new BTG production will feature songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture, including the Academy Award-nominated “Hopelessly Devoted to You;” and the #1 Billboard hit “You’re the One That I Want.”

These will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production, including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning” and “We Go Together.”

The greaser musical originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 before making its New York premiere off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on Feb. 14, 1972. After 128 sold-out performances, the show made the transition to Broadway, taking up residence at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 7, 1972. Grease was nominated for seven Tony Awards in its spectacular initial run. On Nov. 21, 1972, the show moved to the Royale Theatre before making its final transfer on Jan. 20, 1980, to the Majestic Theatre. It closed as the longest running show in Broadway history after playing 3,388 performances.

Bringing their talents to the production are the electrifying director-choreography team Lauren Katz returns as director, along with the high-energy choreography team of Nikki Dizon and Christina Pacini, who are also both co-assistant directors for this show. Rounding out the artistic staff, Ron Attreau makes his BTG debut as music director. The show is produced by Wayne Wendell and Sheilah O’Grady.

The sweet and wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski will be played by Faith Bas (Franklin Park) and Burger Palace Boys Leader Danny Zuko will be played by Declan Durr (Westmont). The rest of the talented cast, comprising actors from all over the Chicagoland area, includes Marcus Boni (Chicago-Beverly), Camryn Caruso (Lemont), Adonis Claybourne (Alsip), Jabari Claybourne (Alsip), Henry Clifford (Oak Park), Rachel DeBoer (Crestwood), Hannah Gillespie (Chicago-Beverly), Sterlin Johnson (Forest Park), Ryan Alan Jones (Berwyn), Emily Killeen (Oak Lawn), Joe Lee (Chicago-Lincoln Park), Meg Massaro (Chicago-Beverly), Ian McCafferty (Burbank), Allison McReynolds (St. Charles), Sydney Milligan (Chicago-Beverly), Rose Murphy (Darien), Allie Pater (Chicago-Mt. Greenwood), Stephanie Reusz (Frankfort), Brendan Siddall (Rogers Park), Clare Takash (LaGrange), Ashley Veltman (Chicago-Buena Park) and Amanda Wilt (Chicago-Lakeview).

Tickets are $22 for members, $24 for non-members and can be purchased online or by calling 773-BTG- TIXS (773-284-8497), or at the door. Senior, student and group rates are also available. Three-show season subscription package are also on sale.