"Grease" Hits the Stage at Merrimack Valley Stageworks
The cast is excited for audiences to attend.
I got chills, they’re multiplyin’!
Merrimack Valley Stageworks invites audiences to its electrifying performance of “Grease.” ‘Good girl’ Sandy Dumbrowski and ‘greaser’ Danny Zuko fall in love one summer. Their relationship is tested when they return to high school in the fall. Can they make their relationship work as they struggle with peer pressure, fitting in, and teenage life?
“Grease” is directed by Paul Metzger, a 20-year theater veteran from Nashua, New Hampshire. Metzger said he likes directing shows that he is passionate about, and “Grease” is one of them. He decided to make it Merrimack Valley Stageworks’ first show because of its feel-good atmosphere.
The announcement of “Grease” sparked interest in several theater enthusiasts. In auditions, Metzger said auditionees were asked to prepare a song, learn a dance, and perform cold readings. By running auditions in small groups, Metzger said it helped the actors become more comfortable with each other.
Olivia Avery-Principi (Sandy), a Beverly resident, couldn’t resist auditioning when she first heard about it. She said “Grease” has been a major influence on her life, from wearing Pink Ladies jackets with her family to being in the ensemble in a high school production. “I never expected to do it again as Sandy, but I am so grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
One other actor has been in “Grease” before: B.C. Williams, a Bedford, New Hampshire resident, returns to his role as Kenickie. He said he played the character in a six-week run at the Academy Playhouse in Orleans, MA, in the summer of 2011.
The “Grease” cast has been hard at work in rehearsals, despite having some cancellations due to Mother Nature’s persistent blankets of snow. Ever resilient, Metzger said that the cast has been embellishing their creative talents, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
One of the most important storytelling elements for Metzger is establishing that the cast secures a tight bond and feels comfortable in interactions. “Whether it’s background moments, inside jokes, or quick reactions, our goal is to make this feel like a truly lived-in world,” Metzger said.
Nicki Abare (Rizzo), from Salem, New Hampshire, said that rehearsals have been a chance for the cast to play with different character choices. Abare said that she has watched others' portrayals of the sarcastic Rizzo while bringing her own personal interpretation to the stage.
The cast has said that they have had the best time ever working on the show and making new friends. Rehearsal has become a fun “after-school hangout,” as Avery-Principi calls it. The only drama relevant is what’s happening on the stage.
“We’re all working towards a goal, and it’s that camaraderie that builds the show differently (hopefully) than any other version that audiences may have seen before,” Haverhill resident Ted Rusomanis (Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel) said.
“Grease” has several iconic songs, including ‘Summer Nights,’ ‘Beauty School Dropout,’ and Metzger’s favorite song, ‘Greased Lightnin.’ Not only do the cast members love the dances, but they also have a majority of their favorite scenes. Williams said he personally enjoys the scenes that take place at the Burger Palace.
Friendship is an important theme in “Grease.” High school is a difficult time in every teen's life, where they’re trying to fit in and find the right crowd. The cast agrees that “Grease” is a show about being yourself.
“To me, the moral of ‘Grease’ is that change, while confusing and frustrating, can be a good thing,” said Williams.
The cast is excited for audiences to attend. Metzger said audiences will be dancing in their seats. “Grease” performs at Merrimack College in the Rogers Center for the Arts, North Andover, MA, March 12-15. Tickets can be purchased here.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
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