Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Take a step back in time to Rydell High School in 1959 as the Stephen F. Austin State University schools of theatre and music present the hit musical "Grease" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, through Saturday, Nov. 18, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's musical about the greaser Danny Zuko, his "Sandra Dee-type" girlfriend and their classmates first opened on Broadway in February 1972 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Choreography.

"It remains a popular production," said Alan Nielsen, SFA professor of theatre and the play's director. "It has been revived on Broadway several times and is about to be revived again."

While most of the audience is familiar with the 1978 motion picture starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Nielsen says the film is actually a disco version of the 1950s. "It was written for Travolta shortly after his success with 'Saturday Night Fever.' "What we're presenting is the original
Broadway musical with its original music and script," Nielsen explained. "And we're working hard to achieve that '50s flavor throughout the production."

Costume designer Angela Bacarisse, SFA associate professor of theatre, said the various scenes at the Burger Palace, the dance and the pajama party provide an opportunity to incorporate lots of different looks from the '50s. "And I'm excited to be able to use several vintage dresses that have been donated to the School of Theatre."

The basis of the two-level set designed by Tomy Matthys, SFA associate professor of theatre, is the high school, because that's the center of the characters' lives, Matthys explained. The most challenging task he and his crew have is building a 1951 Ford coupe convertible. "We're making our own 'Greased Lightning!'"

Dr. Deborah Dalton, SFA associate professor of music, is working with all of the singers on accurately capturing the vocal sounds of '50s stars such as Connie Francis, Fabian and Elvis, and Juanita Finkenberg, adjunct faculty, is teaching the cast dance steps from the era.

Even the show's orchestra is a reflection of the period. Bruce Fowler, SFA assistant professor music, is directing an eight-piece '50s style rock band that will provide the instrumental backdrop for all the musical numbers.

"We're having a lot of fun putting this together," said Nielsen. "It should be a great show for the audience as well."

The musical is a part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series and is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury of Nacogdoches.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. The production does include adult language. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.