Posted 03/28/2000
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8380
UMC to Present “Grease” April 1-4
The UMC Music and Theater Department will perform the popular musical “Grease” April 1-4. The performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening in Kiehle Auditorium on the UMC campus. Admission at the door is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Special advanced tickets, $4 for adult, $2 for student, are available at Montague’s Flower Shop and The Nicolas Collections in Crookston, and at the Bede Hall Information Desk on campus.
The story finds Danny Zuko (Jacob Schnetzer, Villard, MN) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Rebekah Stortroen, Climax, MN) winding down the perfect summer romance. Labor Day has arrived, and they both have gone their separate ways, each mistakenly thinking that this is the end. The first day at Rydell High brings Danny back for his senior year. He returns to his cool, leather-jacketed image as the leader of the "T-Birds." His friends, Kenickie (Nathan Smieja, Newfolden, MN), Doody (Tim Gerla, Climax, MN), Sonny (Roland Sanchez, San Antonio, TX) and Roger (Dave Reiners, Humboldt, SD) are eager to hear how Danny spent his summer vacation.
As fate would have it, Sandy has been transferred to Rydell High. There she is introduced to the "Pink Ladies," the female counterparts of the T-Birds. Rizzo (Sally Rivera, Tustin, CA), Frenchy (Amanda Whetham, Crookston, MN), Jan (Kandelle Olson, Burtrum, MN), and Marty (Melissa Knott, Red Lake Falls, MN) beg their new friend to tell them about her summer romance.
English teacher Miss Lynch (Gillian Goodkind, Whitefish Bay, WI), on the other hand, would rather see the students get back to the rigors of academia. Other students Patty (Teresa Koberstein, Fisher, MN), Cha Cha (Alicia Vechik, Lakeville, MN), and Eugene (Hannah Schmidt, Crookston, MN) are more excited about an upcoming dance featuring DJs Vince Fontaine (Dan Unke) and Johnny Casino (Andy Stumblingbear, Crookston, MN).
Danny and Sandy's paths soon cross again, and what happens next involves music, dance, and a visit from the Teen Angel (Mike Swartz, Pisek, ND).
UMC business management student Rachel Sundbom of Clearbrook, MN, directs the musical. Sundbom, a veteran actor on UMC’s stage, received a UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) grant from UMC to produce and direct the show. This production is her directorial debut.
UMC’s production of "Grease" is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Disability accommodations are available upon request and can be made by calling 218-281-8587.