(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company kicks off their summer musical series with Grease from July 11–21, 2024 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus. Here is Rydell High's senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding "Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" in bobby socks and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this musical.
Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their "Summer Nights" as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as "Greased Lightnin'," "It's Raining on Prom Night," "Alone at the Drive-In Movie" recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions place Grease among the world's most popular musicals.
“A lively and funny musical – as well as the dancingest one in town. It's a winner... the songs are dandies... with zip and charm. The sheer energy of Grease carries all before it” – New York Daily News
The cast of Grease will include Centenary University students, alumni, CSC veterans, and a few brand-new faces! The cast includes: Raymond Ocasio IV, Mackenzey Reilly, Nicole Boscarino, Megan Schmiedhauser, Stacie Michelle, Lauren Noack, Dan F. Sims, Ryan Griffin, Josh Crowley, Billy Mills, Cody Jackson, Griffin Gartlgruber, Deirdre Bryant, Erin Clark, Arianna Cacioppo, Najee Tariq, Jeremy Ashton, Maximus Klevence, Kyle Hendricks, Saquan Williams, Sophie Belkin, Cherise Graham, Sam Lewis, Hope Keil, and Pamela Welsch.
Directing this production of Grease is Michael Restaino. Michael Restaino is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Previous Centenary Stage Company works include Rock of Ages (Director/Choreographer) and The Little Mermaid (co-Director/Choreographer.) As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. Michael is excited to be going back to Rydell High and bringing a new vision to Grease.
Performance dates and times for Grease are Thursdays, July 11 and 18 at 7:30pm; Fridays, July 12 and 19 at 8:00pm; Saturdays, July 13 and 20 at 8:00 pm; and Sundays, July 14 and 21 at 2:00pm. Tickets for Grease range from $29.50 - $35.00 for adults with discounts available for seniors, students, and children under 12 for select performances. The Summerfest musicals will also feature family night on Thursday evening performances, with a Buy One, Get One ticket special beginning at 5:30pm in person at the box office. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900.
The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.
The 2024 Summer Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Platinum Season Sponsor the House of the Good Shepherd and series sponsor Explore Warren.
