Theater Review: "Grease" at Musicals at Richter

By Nancy Sasso Janis

Musicals at Richter (MAR) is presenting the beloved rock’n’roll musical “Grease” through Aug. 10. The ever-popular musical features book, music and lyrics written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Set in 1959 at the fictional Rydell High School in Chicago, the musical features ten working-class teenagers as they grow up and show us that “We Go Together.”

The production features a live orchestra and a cast of 34 very talented local actors, bringing the fun story to life. Jessica Smith, an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University, directed the production, with music direction by Andrew Gadwah, who teaches at New Fairfield High School, and lively choreography by Danbury native Melissa Arizzi.

It is not often that I have the opportunity to review a show in which I played a role, so I was probably more attentive to the details than usual. Smith sticks closely to the script and makes use of the entire Richter stage very effectively. I loved the choreography for “Greased Lightening” and the inclusion of the ensemble in “Summer Nights.”

Rosalie Corry Pena is perfectly wonderful as Sandy Dambrowski in her MAR debut, including her transformation for the final scene. Eli Foodman does well as Danny Zuko in his MAR debut.
The Burger Boys include Christian Eklund as Doody, MAR veteran Rob Fontenelli (LeFou in "Beauty and the Beast") as Roger, Dominic Chila as Kenickie, and Andrew Neil as Sonny Latierri.

As for the Pink Ladies, Emma Lubbers is a delightful Jan and Jennifer Analise Roberts, who just finished playing Babette in “Beauty and the Beast,” plays the role of Marty (“Freddy, My Love.”) Jazzy Cores makes Betty Rizzo come to life (“There are Worse Things I Could Do”) in her MAR debut. Daisy Stott gets to sport the pink wig in her role as Frenchy in her tenth show on this stage.

April Smith, a rising freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, dances well as Cha-Cha DiGregorio and Helen Seda, performing in her first MAR show, is a lovely Teen Angel for “Beauty School Dropout.” There is a large teen ensemble that includes Dayo Garritano, the lovely Emily Walsh and Isabella Andrade, and a small adult ensemble. The teens can be seen in many larger scenes, impressively filling the large Richter stage.

Molly Tarnowski plays the perky cheerleader Patty Simcox and JP Akter portrays the geeky Eugene Florczyk in his MAR debut. Virginia Ruszczyk is the veteran high school teacher Miss Lynch. What a treat it is to see Mensah Robinson in the role of DJ Vince Fontaine. Halo Award winner Nicholas Eklund plays the role of Johnny Casino.

There are a bevy of period costumes credited to Renee Purdy at the Warner Theatre and DB Productions Costume Rental, all colorful and appropriate for the era. The adaptation of this summer’s set was accomplished by the director and Chris Ruopp, who was also in charge of all things technical. With some moveable pieces, the various locations are brought to the stage, and I loved Marty’s pink bedroom.

“Grease” is presented with one intermission and Twinkies are available at the concessions station. MAR is celebrating 40 seasons as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury.

Next up at Musicals at Richter is the return of Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop with performances of “Seussical Jr.” Shows are scheduled for Aug. 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking.

Due to unforeseen circumstances at Danbury High School and the improved forecast, Musicals at Richter will keep the final performances of GREASE at Richter. The cast will perform Thursday and Saturday and they will cancel Friday night due to the almost certain rainy weather.

Nancy Sasso Janis is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle and appeared as Marty in Golden Years Theatre Company's production of "Grease" in 2023.