Beat the Heat with Grease!

Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre present
Grease: School Version By Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs
Running July 17-21 at VCU’s Hodges Theater

Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre are pleased to announce their co-production of Grease: School Version, by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs, premiering at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Hodges Theatre on July 17 and running through July 21. Grease: School Version is presented as part of Cadence and Virginia Rep’s TRAIN Pre-Professional Actor Training Program.

Grease: School Version follows Rydell High’s senior class of 1959. As head greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the whirlwind romance of their “Summer Nights,” the rest of the students sing and dance their way through classic songs, such as “Greased Lightnin’” and “Beauty School Drop Out,” that became the soundtrack of a generation. Suitable in content for teens and preteens, this abridged version of the classic 1950s musical retains the fun-loving spirit that makes it a favorite among rock-and-roll fans of all ages.

For four years, Cadence and Virginia Rep have led TRAIN, a yearlong program that helps serious acting students learn practical applications of their artistic craft and build relationships in order to succeed in the business. While in the past TRAIN has been limited to classes during the school year, this production of Grease: School Version marks TRAIN’s inaugural production and a thrilling expansion of the program. “We are so excited to offer a performance opportunity for these talented young artists, in addition to the high-quality training they receive throughout the year with TRAIN,” says Laine Satterfield, Director of Education for Cadence Theatre Company.

TRAIN students are buzzing with the opportunity to put on a full production. “I’m so excited to show the Richmond community what TRAIN students can do!” says Cohen Steele, who plays Danny. “From Barry Bostwick to John Travolta, Richard Gere to Patrick Swayze, true legends have played the role of Danny Zuko. I am honored to have a chance to put my own spin on this timeless character.” In addition to providing further opportunities for TRAIN students, Cadence and Virginia Rep have actively worked to include students from the School of Richmond Ballet in the cast. Gracie Farrell, an eight-year student of the school, spoke about transitioning from ballet to musical theatre dance: “Musical theatre is verydifferent. Paul Dandridge [the choreographer] keeps telling us to stop trying to be so perfect. It’s great to just be a dancing teenager without worrying about every pointed toe.” She continued, “It’s fun being around other kids my age who also love doing what I love. We have a family vibe after only two weeks of rehearsal!”

Grease: School Version is directed by Debra Clinton, with musical direction by Jason Marks and choreography by Paul Dandridge. The cast features local Richmond students Snowdon Berry, Lucy Bouton, Mallory Braband, Sheridan Brown, Bella Burke, Aiden Candler, Taylor M. Cannon, Elizabeth Rose Cobb, Journey Cole, Thomas Disharoon, Brenna Duffy, Evan Dymon, Samantha Easter, Gracie Farrell, Oliver Gardner, Kate Haacke-Golden, Casey Paige Henley, Claire Hoctor, Avery Ingram, Caroline Johnson, Eli Jordan, Zach Kenney, Coby Mattes, Regan Miller, Lola Mühlenfeld, Zachary Owen, Vivian Plante, Madeline Port, Rodney Rasmussen, Rowan Sharma, Bridget Sindelar, Sabian Smith, Cohen Steele, and Ethan Dunne Stewart. Rounding out the cast are guest artists Paul Dandridge and Jana Farrell. The design team includes Rich Mason (Scenic), Emily Hake Massie (Scenic Painting), Michael Jarett (Lighting), Sarah Grady (Costumes), and Elizabeth Wilder (Props).

This production of Grease: School Version is made possible through the generous support of TheatreVCU, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Grease: School Version will have its first performance on Wednesday, July 17 at 7pm. Subsequent performances will be on Thursday, July 18 at 7pm, Friday, July 19 at 7pm, and Saturday July 20 at 2pm and 7pm. The closing performance will be on Sunday, July 21 at 5pm. All performances will take place at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Hodges Theater in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for patrons 18 and under. To purchase tickets, please go online to cadencetheatrecompany.eventbrite.com.