The Athens Theatre in Downtown DeLand is turning up the volume this spring with a brand-new production of Grease, running Friday, April 11, through Sunday, May 4. With its irresistible blend of 1950s nostalgia, iconic music and high-school drama, Grease is revving up to deliver a joyride of a theatrical experience.
There’s a reason Grease has endured for more than five decades. It didn’t start as the high-gloss Hollywood musical most audiences know today. On Feb. 8, 1971, the city of Chicago saw Grease as its creators, Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, originally intended it: an honest, raucous and deeply local portrayal of working-class teenagers in 1959. The show debuted at the Kingston Mines Theatre — formerly a trolley barn on North Lincoln Avenue — with a shoestring budget of under $200, including $70 for the Burger Palace Boys’ beat-up 1951 Chrysler, famously dubbed “Greased Lightning.”
That gritty original struck a chord with Chicago audiences. Jacobs, a graduate of William Taft High School, modeled the characters after the kids he knew growing up — many of whom spent their summers on the Foster Avenue beach. With its fast talk, four-letter words and adolescent bravado, Grease ran far longer than expected, extending its initial run into August 1971.
In 1972, the show moved from Chicago to off-Broadway, and soon after to Broadway, where its rougher edges were softened to appeal to a broader audience.
The characters were cleaned up, the language smoothed out and the nostalgic tone amplified. The show became a sensation — running for more than 3,388 performances and claiming the title of the longest-running show on Broadway at the time.
Then came 1978, when Grease leapt from stage to screen in the now-iconic film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Hollywood added its own flavor — sun-drenched Southern California settings, glossy production and a soundtrack packed with radio hits. Songs like “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want” were written for the film and became instant classics.
Since then, Grease has returned again and again to the stage, continuing to evolve with each new production. Many of today’s renditions blend elements from both the raw Chicago roots and the polished Hollywood version, offering something familiar yet fresh — something grounded yet aspirational.
The Athens Theatre’s upcoming production embraces this layered history. It doesn’t try to scrub away the grit, honoring the spirit of what Jacobs and Casey set out to do: Capture the complicated joy and chaos of youth, love and belonging.
Yes, there are still Pink Ladies and pep rallies, hand jives and heartbreak — but beneath the poodle skirts and pomade is a story that asks deeper questions: How far should we go to be accepted? Who gets to define cool? What does it mean to grow up? While Grease may be the word, the world is always ready for a new song-filled, toe-tapping verse.
This production, directed by Frank Ramirez, leans into those questions with both heart and honesty. Music Director Chris Endsley keeps the music sharp and dynamic, while Kim Ball’s choreography brings the stage to life with movement that’s crisp, expressive and full of 1950s charm.
This cast brings the story vividly to life. Amy Lacey stars as Sandy (last seen as Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), while Fredy Ruiz — fresh off his turn as Dracula — takes on the role of Danny Zuko. Delaney Nicole makes her Athens debut as Betty Rizzo, and Ricky Hernandez (Young Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol) plays Kenickie.
Elijah Hamilton charms as Doody, and Joshua Dennis delivers comedic flair as Roger. Julia Dansereau (The Wedding Singer, Shrek TYA) is Frenchy, Holly Fuller is Marty, Madelyn Roberts portrays Jan, Lyam David-Kilker cracks wise as Sonny, and SarahRae Jackson (Dracula, Beauty and the Beast) handles both Miss Lynch and the swoon-worthy Teen Angel with style. Rounding out the leads is Xavi Soto-Colon as Eugene, and local favorite Christen Gandy appears as Charlene “Cha-Cha” DiGregorio.
And yes — the music still slaps. “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re the One That I Want” remain cultural touchstones, irresistible and timeless.
Join us on opening night for a complimentary champagne toast — a sparkling kickoff to a production that promises both celebration and conversation. Audiences can also look forward to two special performances: an ASL/English-interpreted show Friday, April 25, and an audio-described performance Sunday, April 27 — ensuring the magic of live theater is accessible to more of our community.
Tickets and more information are available at AthensDeLand.com or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500.
