As president of the OnStagers Dramatic Society of Merrimack College, senior Ashley Solomon of Methuen knew that choosing "Grease" for a spring production would likely draw crowds to the student theatrical group's performance at the Rogers Center for the Arts.
She had no idea that the musical classic would shape up to be the best attended of all the OnStagers shows at the school. That's because she didn't know that the TV phenomenon "You're the One That I Want" was coming.
"I don't think any of us knew at the time," said Solomon, who plays Marty in the show. "What better timing."
The NBC reality show combined a nationwide casting call with an "American Idol"-like contest to choose the leads in this summer's Broadway revival of "Grease." The mix generated great ratings as well as a revived interesting in the musical, a staple of American theater.
"I kind of liked the beginning," said Solomon, who lost interest in the show when judges asked contestants to sing contemporary songs instead of musical theater songs.
Set in 1959, "Grease" focuses on a spirited class at the fictional Rydell High. While hip Danny Zuko and wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Justin Murray of Brockton and Crystal Caloggero of Medford, resolve problems of their mutual attraction, their classmates sing and dance their way through pajama parties, the prom, the teen hangout and the drive-in.
"Compared to the movie, the musical is a lot different," said sophomore Laura DeVincent (who plays Jan, one of the Pink Ladies), citing songs like "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want" that are in the movie, but not the original musical.
DeVincent has seen three productions of "Grease," and they've all been slightly different from each other - some borrow songs from the movie version that aren't in the original musical, some included different takes on sets, and some offered alternative interpretations of scenes. She thinks that the show's versatility keeps audiences coming to see it.
"It's awesome," she said.
Mitch Cooper, a Haverhill native who now lives in Pennsylvania, is directing Merrimack's production. He has tried to put his own spin on the show, as well. One thing he did is beef up the role of the radio disc jockey in the show by putting the character on stage (he's usually offstage) in a radio booth to give the actor some stage time. While it's not a major addition, Cooper feels that touches like this keep "Grease" fresh for the audience.
"It's a nice and simple story that anyone can relate to," Cooper said.
About half of the tickets to Merrimack College's production were sold at press time, and they had yet to be offered to students. At most OnStager performances, tickets are available at the door, but they may not be for this show.
"Ticket sales have been brisk," said Cooper. "I find there is definitely more interest in this show than the TV show."
If you go
r What: "Grease"
r When: Tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
r Where: Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover
* How: Tickets cost $5 for students, $10 for seniors and children, and $12 for adults. Call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.
Merrimack College's "Grease" cast
Arlington: Greg Santino
Bedford: Alli Lua
Brockton: Justin Murray, Christine Reino
Burlington: Sarina Fazio, Jim Beaulieu
Everett: Scott Braid
Haverhill: Laura DeVincent, Tim Waitkevitch
Lawrence: Kelly Bradley
Medford: Crystal Caloggero, Kristina Devine
Methuen: Ashley Solomon, John Meredith
Nashua, N.H.: Alanna Vancor
Revere: Christopher Hoffman
Rockland: Constance Stowers
Somerville: Jessica Medeiros
Walpole: Dianne Black
Worcester: Melissa Cruz
Middlebury, Vt.: Meg McKennan
Chicago: Jim Stalley
Wilton, Conn.: Kevin Sell
Tulsa, Okla.: Joseph Michie
