Elgin theater group adds a local touch to 'Grease'
Summer lovin' is here once more for the Elgin Summer Theatre's production of "Grease" at the Hemmens Auditorium in downtown Elgin.
The T-Birds and Pink Ladies will resurface once more for the production, a summertime musical staple and favorite for people of all ages.
"Everybody likes 'Grease,' it's just one of those shows that everyone likes to see. It's got good memories for people and it's a crowd pleaser," director Charlie Brieger said.
Brieger wanted to create a show that would have all the familiar elements that fans of "Grease" have loved throughout the years, but has also planned a few new surprises for the Elgin Summer Theatre's performance.
As he and his cast put the finishing touches on the props and costumes, compiled from things they have in their homes and finds from resale shops, Brieger looks forward to putting a uniquely Elgin touch on the summertime classic.
"For me as the director I like to see the show change and grow as it goes and find interesting things to change and find moments where I can do some different things," Brieger said. "There is one part of the show that the audience will find completely different and I hope people will say, 'wow.'"
The cast of 37, who hail mostly from Elgin and the surrounding suburbs, has been rehearsing for the last six weeks for the show. Performances will be held at the Hemmens at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, 24 and 25.
A special sing-along performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19 for those audience members who can't fight the urge to join in as the cast belts out long time favorites like "Summer Nights" and "Greased Lightning."
"Everybody that we talked to about putting Grease on said 'I love Grease. I watch the movie and I sing along.' So we thought, why not have a sing-along show?" Brieger said.
Tickets for both shows cost $15 for adults and can be purchased by calling the Hemmens Box Office at (847) 931-5900. Group rates are also available.
Brieger hopes that the Elgin Summer Theatre will continue to put on summer shows as it did in the past. According to Briegar the summer theater group existed for many years but, in its current incarnation, the Elgin Summer Theatre has been putting on shows for the past two years. After a 13-year hiatus the Elgin Summer Theatre came back last year with its production of "Hair."
"Elgin has become an very artsy community and that's great. I hope our shows become a yearly tradition," Brieger said.
If you go
What: The Elgin Summer Theater's performance of the musical "Grease"
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 17, 18, 24 and 25; with a special sing-along performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Cost: $15 for adults
Details: Call (847) 931-5900
Cast of 'Grease'
Algonquin: Jillian Cowhey
Barrington: Alyssa Heintz
Bartlett: Amy Pivaronas, Jocelyn Smith
Carol Stream: Jessica Rzeszutko
Carpentersville: Veronica Bromund, Scott Marks, Siri Nelson
Crystal Lake: Sean Quinn
Elgin: Chris Cherry, Matt Ciesielczyk, Jessica Cimms, Lauren Colby, Amy DeVries, Chrissy Franklin, Tom Franquelli, BJ Franquelli, Sarah Goldman, Jon Goldman, Jennifer Prise, Sarah Robertson, Lauren Taylor
Fox River Grove: Kelsey Gruebnau
Geneva: Matt Kuyawa
Hampshire: Erin Heffernan
Hoffman Estates: Becca Bromley, Carlie Wysocke
Lake in the Hills: Maria Crawford
Schaumburg: Jennifer Hayward
Schiller Park: Vincent Swiat
Sleepy Hollow: Jonathan Horn
South Elgin: Tim Kamin, Linda Santiago, Isabella Santiago
St. Charles: Kristina Gentile
West Dundee: Nicholas Spindler
Wheaton: Georgina McDonald