“Grease,” the latest La Mirada Theater production, is a treat for all ages. Selling out opening night, the impressive production brought to life the original “Grease” movie directed by Randal Kleiser with many of the classic costumes and songs that fans enjoy. 

Attendees buzzed with excitement both inside and outside of the theater with some of their best 1950s looks and Pink Lady outfits. In addition to the colorful attire, the audience sampled specialty mocktail drinks for the occasion and movie-themed cotton candy flavors outside the theater. 

The musical features a group of students as they embark on their final year of high school. Set in the 1950s, audiences walk through the bittersweet end of a summer romance between greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Olsson before discovering the two are attending the same high school that fall. The couple undergoes hardships within their relationship and face the pressures of high school drama. The question for the two lovers becomes whether or not they will be able to make it out of high school with their relationship intact. 

CASTING

It might not be John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John dancing across the stage and singing back and forth to “Summer Nights,” but the casting showed up and showed out. 

“Fortunately, we’re lucky enough to have an onstage ‘Rydell Class of ‘59’ that looks very much like a high school class of TODAY — while being every bit as energetic, exciting and appealing as their earlier counterparts,” Producing Artistic Director BT McNicholl said in the Artistic Director’s Note inside the play program.

The casting was diverse and the on-stage chemistry between each of the characters demonstrated the underlying sense of friendship between each of the distinct personalities. Dominique Paton — who recently returned to the stage after an eleven-year hiatus — played the character Rizzo and delivered a standout performance of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” The performance of “Hopelessly Devoted To You” from Jenna Lea Rosen in her role of Sandy Olsson paid tribute to recently-passed Olivia Newton-John, capturing the attention of everyone in the auditorium. 

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Biola students have the unique opportunity to view shows for the price of $14. The theater is currently advertising its upcoming original production “Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today?” that will be showing from March 16 to April 2. In the meantime, “Grease” will run until February 12.