Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 40th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, fires on all cylinders with its 2024 offering of “Grease,” playing July 26 to August 10. Featuring a live band and a cast of talented local actors, performances take place outdoors under the stars at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, adjacent to the Richter Park Public Golf Course, just off I-84, Exit 2.
MAR’s production of “Grease” is a high-energy, foot-tapping delight. The talented cast, led by Eli Foodman as Danny Zuko and Rosalie Peña as Sandy Dumbrowski, captivated the sold-out audience from start to finish on the Saturday evening I attended.
This iconic show, conjured in an idealized 1959, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, evokes the look and sound of the 1950s, featuring the beloved music generations have re-discovered time and time again
“Grease” introduces us to Rydell High's senior class of 1959: with the “greaser “Burger Palace Boys" and their boos; the "Pink Ladies" decked out in bobby sox and pedal pushers. Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to reignite the romance of their Summer, with the arc of action pitted against them once away from the beach, enmeshed in the social politics and personalities of high school.
A show like “Grease” sinks or swims on the back of its ensemble. You can have the best stars in the world, but if the ensemble is lacking, the show will fall flat. Through the expert captaining of this production by director Jessica Smith and the detailed choreography by Melissa Arizzi, the ensemble, both teen and adult, moved this show forward seamlessly with infectious energy. Hats off to Isabella Andrade, Olivia Chila, Remy Chila, Gabriella DeNicola, Lucia Eklund, Patrick Garcia, Dayo Garritano, Sydney Mann, Katie Paniccia, Chloe Petzold, Nomita Ramchandani, Sedona Taylor, Emily Walsh, Melisa Garcia, Carolyn McCarthy, Walter Ruszczyk.
Mr Foodman’s Danny sings and dances through the show with a gentleness not only of demeanor, but also vocally, experienced best in his number “Alone at a Drive-in Movie,” giving us a new take on an old trope.
Ms Peña’s Sandy evoked a sweet naiveté, infused with grace and a big, strong voice, whether singing in “Summer Lovin’”with the entire cast, or in the sensitive “It’s Raining on Prom Night “performed in duet with accomplished Sarah Bollacke as the Radio Voice
The supporting cast, both adult and teen, brought an incredible level of talent and enthusiasm to the stage.
The effervescent “Pink Ladies” were led by the powerhouse vocals of Jazzy Cores as Rizzo, most notably on “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” which brought the house down. Jennifer Analise Robert’s Marty, shines on the great classic “Freddy My Love,” and Emma Lubber’s Jan is hilarious in the duet “Mooning” with Roger, adroitly executed by Robert Fontenelli. Last but certainly not least of the “Pink Ladies” is Daisy Stotts Frenchy, our lovable, beauty disaster, whose duet with talented “Teen Angel “Helen Seda, made us all want to run up and give her a hug.
The charismatic performance of Dominic Chila as Kenickie, especially in the well-known romp, “Greased Lightening,” serves as the focal point of the group of misfits known as the “Burger Palace Boys.” Christian Eklund’s Doody vocally soars, best featured in his duets with the afore mentioned Robert Fontenelli’s Roger, in an Everly brothers nod “Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Queen.” Rounding out the Burger Palace Boy’s is Sonny Latierri, comically portrayed by Andrew Neil
And what high school would be complete without it’s “Nerd” and “Goody Goody” Head Cheerleader? Rydell High is no exception, with JP Akter nailing it as Eugene Florczyk and Molly Tarnowski as annoyingly positive Patty Simcox
Director Jessica Smith, Choreographer Melissa Arizzi, and Musical Director Andrew Gadwah deserve immense credit for creating a seamless and exhilarating production. The show's energy was palpable, and the cast clearly poured their hearts into every number. The functional set design and costumes effectively transported the audience back to the 1950s without detracting from the performances.
Overall, Grease at Musicals at Richter is a must-see for fans of the classic musical. The talented cast, combined with the deft direction and choreography, create a truly unforgettable experience.
Performances for “Grease” are Friday-Sunday evenings at 8 PM, with specially discounted performances on Thursday August 1 and 8. Grounds at Richter Arts Center open at 7:00 p.m. for picnicking, with the show at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and $15 for children 10 and under. For the Thursday performances (August 1 and 8), tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $10 for children 10 and under.
Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. A limited number of chairs are available free of charge at the concession area, and a snack/soft drink concession is on site. Dress in layers as it will get chilly as the sun goes down, and a bit of bug spray would also be useful, it is the northeast in August.
New this year, two pairs of comfortable VIP front row seats will be available at each performance. The tickets cost $150 per pair, which includes a $90 tax-deductible donation to support MAR’s Renaissance of Richter stage and facility improvement campaign
“Grease,” playing July 26 to August 10. outdoors under the stars at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, adjacent to the Richter Park Public Golf Course, just off I-84, Exit 2.
https://www.musicalsatrichter.org/
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Photo Credit: David Henningsen Photography.
The moves are on when the students hit the dance floor in "Grease," the beloved rock'n'roll musical about 1950s high school life now playing through August 10 at Musicals at Richter in Danbury. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center (next to Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings, with additional specially discounted performances on Thursdays August 1 and 8. Grounds at Richter Arts Center open at 7:00 p.m. for picnicking, with the show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets/info: musicalsatrichter.org