"Grease" Slides into Huntsville

What a treat Friday's crowd received with The Broadway Theatre League's production of the popular musical "Grease." Not only was the cast of "teenagers" filled with high energy, great choreography, and wonderful voices, but Frankie Avalon's presence on stage added a special electricity to the evening and he, as they say, "stole the show." After the company's bow, 63-year-old Avalon stayed onstage and wowed the audience with several numbers from his musical career ("Venice"), told a few jokes, and acknowledged the cast and musicians of the show. It was a special treat for Huntsville to have Avalon in town: he doesn't always travel with the show. He takes off a few months here and there and joins the show for short periods of time. After the Huntsville run, he was going to Michigan for six shows and then taking some time off. (cast members fill in the part of "Teen Angel" when he's gone.

In 1978, we fell in love with the movie version of "Grease" starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This teen love story written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey highlights 1950's adolescents and their "troubled lives." The story is seasoned with some of our favorite songs: "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin',"Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Beauty School Dropout," and "You're the One That I Want." It's hard to pick a favorite! The choreography on "Born to Hand Jive" is outstanding.

Derek Keeling does an outstanding job as Danny Zuko--capturing the swagger and vanity of the self-absorbed character. His dancing is a reminder of John Travolta without appearing to copy or mimic. Tiana Checchia manages to make Sandy Dumbrowski appear innocent, gentle and demure while belting out her solos with a strong voice. Two other cast members were exceptional: Jacqueline Colmer as Betty Rizzo and Matt Hydzik as Kenickie. Then, of course, Sarah Hubbard as Frenchie and Lisa Maietta as Cha-Cha DiGregorio were delights to watch also. Okay--I admit it...I really liked the whole production!

Another bonus to the audience was the onstage dance contest and 50's music before the show. This musical is a delight, showing a possibly naive view of high school; but a wonderful deversion of a time before guns and drugs were an everyday problem in our education system. All I can say is to just go to the show and enjoy yourself...oh...and wear your poodle skirt and saddle loafers.

Backstage Photo Gallery of "Grease"