“A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop! A-wop-bam-boom!”
BY ALISON O’DONNELL ON JUNE 27, 2026
Grease is the word at Theatre By The Sea as Producer Bill Hanney proudly presents the popular classic musical, with book, music, and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Leave it to Artistic Director Kevin P. Hill to give us a foot-tapping, feel-good production that had me smiling the whole way through. Relive the timeless story of bad boy Danny and Sandra D as they fall in love in this all-new vision of the high school musical. Navigating love and friendship amidst the backdrop of Rydell High, this adaptation features the compelling songs, “You’re The One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” and more from the Broadway production (1972), and hit movie (1978), which premiered nearly 50 years ago! Yeah.
“I have always been a big fan of Grease, both the stage musical and the movie,” said Hanney. “It’s full of 1950s nostalgia, relatable characters, and great music! We’re also very fortunate to have been able to assemble an amazingly talented cast. I can’t wait for opening night!”
There is a reason Grease has endured for more than five decades. Beneath its anachronistically flashy nostalgia, the show celebrates youthful exuberance, social belonging, and the exhilarating uncertainty of growing up. Theatre By The Sea captures this spirit with infectious energy, delivering a crowd-pleasing production embracing the musical’s iconic status while allowing its multi-talented cast to let loose.
Hill has established a world bursting with movement and vitality from the minute the curtain rises on Rydell High. The dance sequences demonstrate impressive athletic agility, transforming the stage into a constantly shifting landscape of movement and vibrancy. Scenic designer Cassie McKnight uses the space for an intimate set that sometimes splits its duty seamlessly between the guys and dolls while efficiently evoking 1950s Americana. Beautifully opulent costumes reveal character personalities, moods, and time period.
The production moves briskly, especially in the second half, never lingering between musical numbers, to maintain an engagingly buoyant pace. The treasured story of summer loves Danny Zuko (Nick Cortazzo) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Lily Kaufmann) remains as charming as remembered. The chemistry between these leads, as well as the entire cast, who end up pairing off, creates an emotional center around which the show revolves.
Cortazzo strikes a sweet balance between swagger and vulnerability. While Danny effortlessly projects the cool demeanor expected from the leader of the Burger Palace Boys, insecurity beneath the bravado is revealed in more subtle moments. Opposite him, new girl Sandy, pious as hell, is portrayed with warm sincerity as she transforms from innocent newcomer to self-assured teen ready to blend in. Together, the pair navigate the musical’s romantic highs and lows with appeal.
The ensemble is the beating heart of this body, creating a believable, tight-knit group of teens navigating friendship, romance, and identity. The Pink Ladies bring varied personalities with individual humor to every scene, while the Burger Palace Boys create a lively sense of ’50s bromance. Ensemble-driven numbers such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “Born to Hand Jive” are executed with enthusiasm and precision. These elements embrace the musical’s sense of fun rather than attempting to overcomplicate its themes, imparting a joyful celebration of teenage dreams, the bonds of friendship, and first love.
Musical direction by Tommy Iafrate is consistently strong. The cast handles the beloved score with confidence, balancing amazing vocals with a show-defining playful spirit. A few supporting performances threaten to steal the spotlight here and there, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience. Abriel Coleman and Alex LeBlanc are captivating as Betty Rizzo and Roger, respectively.
As you marvel over just how talented this cast is — as top-notch as it gets — up strides Teen Angel Jordan Okeke to steal the show, slam-dunking “Beauty School Dropout” and drawing the evening’s loudest reaction. As the audience erupts, everything gets elevated a notch.
Step back in time with Theatre By The Sea’s Grease, featuring nostalgically charismatic performances, energetic choreography and youthful vitality for an entertaining night. Dust off your leather jacket, pull the poodle skirt out of the mothballs, and be prepared to hand-jive the night away!
TBTS presents Grease through July 18. For more information, visit theatrebythesea.com.