‘Grease’ is the Word for UMaine’s Spring Production

Sandy, Danny and the rest of the characters from Rydell High take the stage for seven February performances of “Grease” in Hauck Auditorium at the University of Maine.

Sandra Hardy, professor of theatre at UMaine, is directing the ensemble show. She is joined by Danny Williams, music director; Jasmine Ireland, choreographer; Dan Bilodeau, set designer; Joseph Donovan, technical director; Samantha Paradis, stage manager; and Adam Medelson, lighting designer.

“While virtually everyone knows and loves the musical ‘Grease,’ and it certainly is a universal comment on adolescence, I am hoping that our ‘Grease’ says something more about the nature of adolescence — the pain of growing, in particular,” Hardy says.

Music education major Hope Milne of Hamilton, Mass., has the role of Sandy. Milne most recently played Wendla in UMaine’s February 2013 production of “Spring Awakening.” Music major Ira Kramer of Veazie, Maine, plays Danny. Kramer recently finished playing Prince Charming in Penobscot Theatre’s production of “Cinderella: A New Telling of an Old Tale.”

Music major Allisen Donovan, of Presque Isle, Maine, plays Rizzo, leader of the Pink Ladies. It’s an interesting role for Donovan, who is also a member of a local roller derby team. Music major Andrew Cotterly of Bangor, Maine, plays Kenickie, one the Greasers.

“Grease,” a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, was once the longest-running show on Broadway. The production features a rock-and-roll score, including the songs “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” and “We Go Together.” Set at fictional Rydell High School in 1959, the plot follows a group of teenagers as they explore nuances of love, relationships and social expectations. Themes are appropriate for mature audiences.

Performances are scheduled for Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is $15; tickets may be purchased online at umaine.edu/spa, or at the door. For disability accommodation requests, call 207.581.1781.