'Grease' is the word for Studio Theatre Co.'s 20th year

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary season, Janice MacDonald’s Studio Theatre Company will be presenting “Grease” for a three-day run starting April 26 at the Margaret L. Jackson Performing Arts Center at Bristol Community College.

“It’s a big one for us. It’s our first year in about 15 years that we’ve done two shows in a season at BCC,” said Director Roger Machado-Fournier. “It’s a big show in our 20th anniversary season.”

Loved by generations of musical fans, “Grease” is a particular favorite of the company’s founder and producer, Janice MacDonald, who brought it to the stage about 15 years ago. “I know she’ll be proud when she sees it,” said Machado-Fournier, who played the role of the fun-loving schemer Roger in Studio Theatre’s original version of “Grease.”

Erin Cote and Tyler Rebello are playing the leading roles, Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, along with an exuberant cast of up-and-coming area actors including Justin Pontes (Kenickie); Trevor Lopes (Roger); and Latrina Crim (Rizzo).

This time around, Machado-Fournier said, a few of the cast members are theater students at the University of Massachusetts who are working with the teenaged Studio Theatre performers. “They’re teaching the younger cast members the ropes,” he added. “It’s great to give the teenagers who have been working with us for so many years their chance to shine on the stage.”

The unlikely summer romance between the greaser Danny, leader of the Burger Palace Boys, and the sweet, shy newcomer Sandy is at the center of the consummate 1950s-era musical. Now back at Rydell High School for their senior year, Sandy and Danny try to keep it cool around the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies.

Right from the start, audiences will be jumping out of their seats for the upbeat number, “Grease is the Word,” which required special permission from Paramount to use in a regional production. “It’s really a hot way to open the show,” said Machado-Fournier.

The catchy tune won’t be the only thing to captivate audiences from the opening, he added, hinting at a show-stopper entrance from one of the characters.

A soundtrack of classics, “Greased Lightning,” "Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” and “Born to Hand Jive,” to name a few, keep the perennially popular musical moving at a fast-fun pace. “There’s not a weak moment in the show,” said Machado-Fournier. “The sound of this cast is out of this world — they’re really enjoying every minute of this.”

In addition to Machado-Fournier as a former “Grease” cast member, Cote was also in the ensemble the first time around. Jenna Couitt and Alison Klamkin, who were kids in the original production, are returning to ensemble roles, this time as adults and dance captains.

Cote, who was also in a Little Theatre version of “Grease” as Patty Simcox several years ago, is finally getting her chance to bring Sandy Dumbrowski to the stage. “I’ve loved the movie since I was a little kid. The first time Studio did “Grease,” I was a little bit too young and it’s exciting to be finally playing an iconic part,” said Cote.

One of the aspects she likes about the part is the versatility of the role as the Sandy character evolves over the course of the musical, said Cote.

Rebello, who has been a well-known name since he started performing locally in youth productions, is excited to be taking on his first community theater role, stepping into the stage version of the movie character synonymous with John Travolta. “I’ve always been a John Travolta fan and a fan of the movie, he’s a tough act to follow,” said Rebello, adding his favorite song and dance number is “Summer Nights.”

“Grease” features sets by Bob Perry, costumes by Johnny Cagno, and lighting by Shaw Elliot. The production crew includes musical director Stephanie Bonalewicz-LaFontaine, choreographer Trish McGowan, assistant choreographer Michelle Pacheco and assistant director Joe Cabral.

“Grease” will be on stage at the Margaret L. Jackson Performing Arts Center April 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 508-812-0295 or email studiotheatreco@gmail.com. On opening night, there will be a $10 student rush ticket price with valid student ID.

 Email Linda Murphy at lmurphy@heraldnews.com.