By Kimberly Rau
Summer is in full swing, and if you’re looking for a shot of nostalgia to go with your clam cakes, Theatre by the Sea has your back with its second show, a lively, fun production of “Grease.”
Originally written as a satirical take on the “good girl fixes bad boy” teenage romance, “Grease” won audience hearts with its memorable characters and wholly singable soundtrack, and some things transcend genre (and time). Director/choreographer Kevin Hill’s version is no exception: This is fun for all ages.
Briefly, the plot: It’s the first day of school at Rydell High in the 1950s, and the Pink Ladies clique has befriended new student Sandy. Their benign interest grows when they realize the clean-cut goody two shoes spent the summer at the beach with Danny, Rydell’s primary greaser. Danny’s friends just want to know if he got laid (spoiler: no, but he’ll let them think so). What happens when a summer romance is expected to survive the social expectations and peer pressure of a school year?
Grease is full of memorable songs, including “Summer Lovin’,” “We Go Together” and “Greased Lightning” (some of the lyrics have been subtly cleaned up in this production, so your 9-year-old won’t be asking you uncomfortable questions). And the cast is strong: Matunuck’s stage is jam-packed with enough energy, talent and charisma to make even the most cynical reviewer (hi) smile.
Nick Cortazzo and Lily Kaufmann play school-crossed lovers Danny and Sandy, and both have excellent voices. Standout solo numbers include Kauffman’s rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and Cortazzo’s “Sandy.” The pair’s chemistry is evident in “You’re the One That I Want,” bringing the play to a high-energy close as the cast segues into the final “We Go Together.”
Abriel Coleman plays Rizzo with just the right amount of sarcasm required for the iconic “mean girl,” but Rizzo’s vulnerability (and Coleman’s superior voice) come through in spades during “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” Skyler Shields plays Rizzo’s sometimes-boyfriend Kenickie, your typical teenage boy who dreams of living the fast life in an even faster car. Shields gives great energy in “Greased Lightning,” one of the best songs in the show.
A surprise scene-stealer was Jordan Okeke as Teen Angel, the imaginary character who convinces the flighty Frenchy (well-played by Elana Valastro) to go back to school. Okeke’s voice is truly stunning, and offers the perfect sound for the number.
Overall, this is a strong show with cohesive direction. If I’m going to be picky (that’s my job), I wish Patty Simcox was not played as though Glinda from Wicked had been dropped into Rydell High, not because it wasn’t funny (it was), but because no one else was apparently directed to be that over the top. If your good girl is going to be Glinda, then your nerdy Eugene needs to be an equally strong caricature, otherwise, it’s going to take you out of the moment.
Cassie McKnight’s set is good and the fact that you need to have a drivable car on stage is handled particularly well given the house’s smaller footprint. The costumes are period-accurate and a lot of fun, especially in “Beauty School Dropout.” It all adds up to an evening out that will delight everyone you brought on vacation (or drove in from Providence).
If you’re looking for a way to cool off after a hot summer day, you can’t beat “Grease” at Theatre by the Sea. Catch it through July.
“Grease” runs through July 18, 2026, at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at theatrebythesea.com or by calling 401.782.8587.
