Grease returns to the Springfield Municipal Opera

Grease returns to the Springfield Municipal Opera

Springfield, IL – August 7, 2017 – Grease, sponsored by RSM and directed by Bill Bauser Jr., will return to The Muni stage on Friday, August 11. The production will run August 11-13 and August 16-20. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m.

Grease, the book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, features head “greaser” Danny Zuko (Andrew Brant) and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski (Kelsi Frost) trying to relive the high school romance of their “Summer Nights” as Rydell High’s "Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" in bobby sox and pedal pushers look on. This show features songs such as "Greased Lightnin'," "It's Raining on Prom Night," and "Alone at the Drive-In Movie.” Grease was nominated for a Tony award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical (1972) and twice for Best Revival of a Musical (1994/2008).  The Muni’s production will also include some favorite songs from the movie, arranged by Robert Stigwood: “You’re the One That I Want,” “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “Grease.”

Frost, who has been on The Muni stage before in Peter Pan, All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls, is excited to play the role of Sandy because she identifies with the character. “Sandy is known for being nice to everyone and my theory in life is to make at least one person smile a day even if you don’t know them,” said Frost. “The most challenging part for me will be when she changes by the end, gaining confidence and fitting in by changing her ‘pure’ image.”  

Frost’s partner in the show, Brant, says playing Danny is a challenge because you have to strike a balance. “You have to balance finding your own voice and living up to the legacy of John Travolta’s iconic performance in the classic film,” said Brant. “This is my first time doing this show, and my first time performing on the Muni stage, and I’m lucky to have such an experienced director at the reins.”

Bauser Jr. was a part of The Muni when Grease was performed on the Muni stage in 2000. He’s also directed two area high school productions of the show, as well as a concert version. “The cast has been working extremely hard to put on a high energy, fun-loving musical,” said Bauser Jr. “Our choreographer, Tiffany Riech, has an amazing ability to create high energy dance numbers and challenge the actors to be at their best.”

The Muni encourages audience members to come dressed up in 50s clothing and to get their  pictures taken with the classic  cars out at the show. Wednesday, August 16, will be Family Night. On Family night, ticket prices for children are $10 for a reserved seat and $5 for the general admission (or lawn seating).

Additionally, Thursday, August 17 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices for seniors are reduced to $12 for Reserved Seating and $9 for General Admission. A Senior Shuttle Bus Service, sponsored by the King’s Daughters Organization, will also run on Senior Night. 

An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled for Sunday, August 20.

The regular price of reserved seating is $17 or $15, and general admission (or lawn seating) is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for children 12 and under. Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased in advance online – www.TheMuni.org – or by calling or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium Box Office at 217-793-MUNI (6864). Patrons can also purchase reserved seating and general admission tickets on-site at The Muni’s Box Office, which opens 90 minutes prior to curtain time.

About The Muni

The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater. The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.