Oh, those summer nights.
Arts Express Theatre is bringing 1950s heat to the Old Pueblo with its production of the pop culture classic “Grease” from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 28 .
“The Broadway production of ‘Grease’ in the 1970s was the first time the 1950s had been considered nostalgic. It really defined an era. There are specific references to everything that was part of pop culture in the 50s, and audiences came and heard rock ‘n’ roll from the 50s. All the songs are tributes, in one form of another, to the music of that time,” said Ray DeMattis, director of the upcoming AET production.
DeMattis brings a unique and personal perspective to his directing: He made his Broadway debut in Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s original 1972 production of “Grease.” The production was nominated for seven Tony Awards and at one point became the longest-running show on Broadway; DeMattis himself went on to direct two national and four regional tours of the musical featuring performers such as Frankie Avalon, Bowser from ShaNaNa, and Charo.
His unique perspective is enhanced by Robin Vogel, who debuted as Cha-Cha DiGregorio alongside DeMattis on Broadway. Vogel is the choreographer for the AET production.
The pair said that the original production was essentially a Broadway showcase for very young talent. It fostered the careers of John Travolta, Barry Bostwick, Patrick Swayze, Treat Williams and more.
“It was amazing for all of us. We felt extremely lucky to be in this blockbuster production that kicked off hundreds of careers. So many people we worked with have gone on to have damn good careers,” Vogel said.
DeMattis recalled that 19-year-old Travolta played the role of Doody in the production prior to the making of the 1978 film.
“My favorite story about John was that when he quit high school, he told his mom if he was not on Broadway in two years, he would go back. Well, he made Broadway and we were all working on the show, but he didn’t play Danny; he played a lesser character, Doody. He told everyone that someday he was going to play Danny Zuko and we all laughed at him. The laugh was definitely on us,” DeMattis said.
DeMattis and Vogel are excited about reviving Sandy, Danny and the other iconic characters through their interpretation of Grease.
“The interesting thing is that those characters are based on real people that Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey knew. These are universal characters: There was one in everyone’s high school, and they were so well-received because people saw these characters in themselves or their friends,” Vogel said.
The appeal extended beyond characters to social issues — including peer pressure, gang violence, teenage rebellion and class consciousness — that remain relevant today.
“The relationship between Danny and Sandy represents love between two teens who come from two different worlds. Everyone can relate to that,” DeMattis said.
Ultimately, DeMattis, Vogel and AET Producer Karen Wiese are gratified about the opportunities presented by the upcoming production of Grease. They hope to give audiences — including many young people who are familiar only with the movie — a new perspective with insight into the authentic Broadway musical.
“We want to elevate them ... we get the chance to introduce a new generation to this era and everyone is working very hard to get it and get it right. They are wonderful talents,” DeMattis said.
Wiese said that it is an honor to work with artists who helped to propel “Grease” into a groundbreaking movement.
“ ‘Grease’ was the epitome of the 1950s. It rivaled shows like ‘Hair’ for the 1960s. We are very excited about bringing back the original ‘Grease,’ with its intent to explore the culture and counter culture of the 1950s. Part of what the story was about was looking at mainstream culture and what teens were rejecting at the time. It’s fun to take some of the songs we know and love and make a fun summer musical but also to delve deep and look at the meaning,” Wiese said.
The authenticity carries onto the set, which incorporates a movable “Grease Lightning” car and 3D images of 1950s icons such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and more.
“These images are used prominently in the set and we have 3D glasses available for the audience to use since 3D came out at that time. We thought it would make it more experiential,” Wiese said.
A 1955 Ford Victoria will be on display in the theatre lobby and themed drinks will also be available. Additional mid-week matinee performances are also available during the two-week run.
Ultimately, Wiese believes that the production helps to further the AET mission of providing extraordinary opportunities for audiences and students to experience the power of the arts through musical theater. The nonprofit theatre serves more than 25,000 people annually with a continuum of introductory and advanced programs and audience experiences, including a summer Musical Theatre Camp for youth in grades seven through 12.
“Musical theatre is a wonderful vehicle that offers the triple threat of dancing, singing and acting. It also provides opportunities for visual arts and connections to culture and history. It is an amazing way to learn new things in a fun and thought-provoking way,” Wiese said.
