‘Grease’ slides into the Tuacahn rotation bringing joy to cast, fans

This summer at Tuacahn, it’s not all French Revolution and a search for a clown fish named Nemo. Beginning July 17, we’re heading back to high school — 1950s style — complete with leather jackets, Rydell High pom poms and enough classic cars to make you wish those “Summer Nights” would never end in this season’s Grease.

Following a sizzling summer romance, Danny Zuko is nearly toppled off his spot in the high school social pyramid when his summertime fling, Sandy Dumbrowski, moves into his school. Amid the timeless challenges of teen life Danny, Sandy, the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies explore themes of friendship, love and loyalty, and ultimately finding who they want to be, all in a more family-friendly, version of this popular show.

“Grease is one of our most requested shows every time we do a patron survey,” said Scott Anderson, artistic director for Tuacahn. “We’re really excited to bring such a dynamic version to life on our stage, with just a few adaptations to really meet the needs of our audience.”

It’s not just the patrons who can’t wait for this musical. Many of the cast and crew have had Grease on a short list of productions they’re dying to perform. Take Kyle Southern, for example. After spending his childhood hearing the music and seeing the film, he was thrilled to get the call that he would be playing none other than leading man Danny Zuko.

“Grease was my mom’s favorite movie when I was growing up,” Southern said. “John Travolta made such an iconic character out of this role. He was so cool and tough, but also funny and vulnerable.”

Now Southern is walking the line between paying homage to Travolta’s stellar performance and adding a flavor of his own. It’s a process he absolutely loves.

“I’ve done a lot of work finding Danny’s walk, how he moves and how he stands,” Southern said. “There’s so much of any character in the way that he moves. And I have some ‘50s music I listen to as I’m getting ready for the show; things I think Danny would really be into.”

Those smooth, cool guy moves, are being explored by more than just Southern. One of the highlights of this production for fellow cast member, Julianne Roberts, who plays Betty Rizzo, is the unbelievable dance steps peppering the show.

“As a dancer, there is so much to love,” Roberts said. “We have crazy partnering stuff, so many flips and lifts… it’s just a fun show all around.”

With songs like “Hand Jive” and “Greased Lightnin’” coming up on the radar as all out spectacles and likely fan favorites, Roberts said she also appreciates the depth her character, Rizzo, gets to explore in her pivotal number, “There are Worse Things I Could Do.”

“I just think every person who comes to this show will find a character on stage that will resonate with them,” Roberts said. “They all fit the high school friend group archetypes in such a perfect way.”

And while there are definite messages underlying the script and score — namely friendship and finding your tribe — it’s also a production filled with pure entertainment and joy.

“For me, I go to the theater to be entertained, to escape from the real world, and Grease is a great opportunity for people to come relax, and laugh,” Roberts said.

Don’t miss your opportunity to revel in the music and movement of Grease playing now through Oct. 22 in the Tuacahn Outdoor Amphitheatre. For details and tickets, go online to www.tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-652-3300.