Grease is the word: a personal review of Maryville College’s Grease
April 16-19, the Maryville College Theatre Department put on a stage production of the musical Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre. This included four public showings and one early-morning school showing.
During the Friday night showing, ticketholders were offered a complimentary beer brewed by Maryville College fermentation science students. This beer label was designed by Sasha Hoenie (‘26) with the 1950s in mind, and was affectionately named “Schlitz and Giggles.” Though this offering was not part of the show itself, it helped generate excitement.
Many are familiar with the 1978 movie version of the show, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and following the story of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko. After a summer fling, Sandy begins to attend Rydell High, where Danny goes to high school.
A basic plot summary is as follows. Danny initially rejects Sandy, believing his friends would look down upon him, as he views her as more than just a sexual partner. Meanwhile, Sandy makes friends with the “Pink Ladies,” a group of high school girls who make fun of her naivety. Eventually, Sandy and Danny enter into a romantic relationship as she learns to “let loose” and he learns not to let his friends influence his relationship choices.
From an audience perspective, I can say that this show was truly phenomenal. Admittedly, I was nervous; the show is one with a very large cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities.
I think the show was well cast. Many female-presenting people were playing male characters in the show, but it worked. As far as lead roles go, Ian Bailey (‘26) was a great fit for Danny. His portrayal made Danny feel like a boy just trying to find his way and fit in, instead of a man with no regard for women’s feelings. Kalli Wilson (‘27) played Sandy and was vocal perfection. “Hopelessly Devoted” felt both emotionally charged and effortless.
One of my, and many others’, least favorite parts about Grease is its casual references to sexual assault. In one of the show’s earliest numbers, “Summer Nights,” the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds sing to their respective groups about Danny and Sandy’s summer romance. While Sandy focuses on the feeling of falling in love, the T-birds quiz Danny about his sexual encounters. Within the original lyrics, the boys ask Danny, “Did she put up a fight?” Rightfully, this lyric was changed for the Maryville College production to something akin to: “did she spend the whole night?”
My favorite song was “Beauty School Dropout” featuring John Lee (‘28) and Eden Carnes (‘27) and the ensemble. The costuming in this scene helped support the dreamlike, ethereal feeling of it all. Though the backing vocals were a little hard to hear, it was still wonderful. As an honorable mention, “Freddy My Love,” sung by Kathryn Bornhoeft (‘28), was upbeat and laugh-out-loud funny even though it was cut from the movie. This seems to be Kathryn’s first singing role on campus, but her confidence in her own ability radiated through the crowd.
The costuming in the show did not feel gimmicky or like something pulled out of Spirit Halloween’s 50s section, but instead authentically vintage. The stage and props within the diner scenes were wonderful as well. The chairs within the diner were similar to those used with the cast’s Hot Rod’s 50s Diner photoshoot in Alcoa, Tennessee. I expected the car to be a two-dimensional prop, but the car used was the perfect retro beater.
Overall, the show felt very well designed and cast. I had a great time and I look forward to more musicals on campus.
John Lee (‘28) and Eden Carnes (‘27) perform “Beauty School Dropout”
Photo courtesy of Amber Latham (‘28)
Maryville College’s “Schlitz and Giggles” can design mock-up
Photo courtesy of Sasha Hoenie (‘26)