When it debuted as a musical in 1972, Grease was a way for teens of the 1950s to look back at what was possibly America’s last relatively innocent decade. Since then it has become a pop culture phenomenon. The original Broadway production lasted nearly eight years, 3,400 performances and spawned a hit film and soundtrack. The show is a staple among community and school theater groups. Now the next Broadway reincarnation is coming, as we know from Grease: You’re the One That I Want, the reality TV show where contestants vie for the lead roles of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski.So what accounts for the immortality of a story about a senior class at Rydell High School during the ’50s? Why do somewhat silly songs such as Greased Lightnin’ and Summer Nights hold weight with generations far removed from the black leather jacket and white T-shirt movement? Richard Roland, director of the Grease that opened on Thursday at Westchester Broadway Theatre, attributes the appeal to the timeless idea of teens connecting with the youth culture of their time. “It was about these kids and their relationship with rock ’n’ roll,” he says. “In the early ’70s, it spoke to the generation that it was about and was mildly poking fun at,” adds Roland. “It was very gritty and foul-mouthed. Once the movie came out, that turned it into a family show. There was also a threatening quality to the piece. These were dangerous kids, but still teenagers. The challenge for me is to present family entertainment but to bring back the element of danger.” Todd DuBail has played the role of Zuko so many times that he has told his agent he won’t audition for the role any longer. “When Grease first came out, they tapped into the generation which grew up in the ’50s and was now having kids,” says DuBail. “A nostalgic thing was spawned at that point. Our generation still loves that time and happiness of our youth.”Roland agrees with the nostalgia aspect, but believes the music is largely to credit for the cultural phenomenon. “Each song is based on or makes fun of the period in the ’50s. The songs are so cleverly and well written that they can appeal to anyone.” Having recently moved to New York from Iowa, Melissa Larsen, who plays Sandy, sees the parallel between herself and the transformation of her character. “A lot of people see her just changing for Danny,” she says. “The Pink Ladies bring out that she doesn’t have to, but everyone wants her to. I’m from the Midwest and a lot of times acted a certain way as I was supposed to.” “It’s a great film, but because of that nobody knows what the real show was like,” says Roland. “Those characters outside of Danny and Sandy are really fleshed out. The love story was written last into the show by (creators) Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.”“It’s an interesting window for the world to see what actors go through to get a role,” says DuBail. “I hope it doesn’t become a trend. The majority of good actors are in New York and will continue getting the roles in the traditional way.” Ray Hogan
