Michael Lopez has ‘Grease’ in his theatrical veins
By Eric Marchese
If anyone in Orange County is an expert on the stage version of “Grease,” it’s Michael Lopez, who has directed the popular musical three times (so far) and choreographed it six times.
Lopez is directing the show yet again at Cabrillo Playhouse, where he’s the producing artistic director. When speaking with him, his love of and enthusiasm for the show are apparent. Just the same, we were curious as to what he might bring to the table this time around that he may not have already realized in previous stagings.
Challenges in bringing the stage version to life
One of the show’s major challenges, Lopez noted, is that “there are a lot of big dance numbers with a lot of people.”
Another challenge, he said, is “having to adapt to a much smaller stage; there are a lot of changes physically.” He mentioned set designer Rebecca Rubino has “created something very new specifically for this production, which leads to changes from previous shows.”
For his newest staging, Lopez said, “I’ve focused on the actors, making sure that their characters ‘connect’ with the other actors that they’re playing with – especially in the scenes where they are not the focus.”
Some of the themes that resonate with Cabrillo as a theatre company, and with Lopez himself as director, are “the idea of friendship and love is always something that we hope happens within our experience of putting on a show” and “working together to achieve a positive outcome.”
What can Lopez and his cast and crew do with the stage version to create something singular and memorable for audiences? “Bring back the feeling of nostalgia, fun, and friendship, and a big show on our tiny stage.”
Along the same lines, what can Cabrillo do to create a different experience from watching the film version? “There is more comedy in the stage version, and there's nothing like watching live theatre!”
A close-up look at the ‘greaser’ subculture
The 1972 musical’s book, music, and lyrics are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It was adapted for the big screen in 1978, and its subject, big budget, and stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John made it an even bigger hit than the original stage version.
The show, Lopez said, “is about a small group of friends in 1959 dealing with school, life, love, and the complexities of being a teenager at that time.” (The title, in case you didn’t know, is named after the ’50s working-class teen subculture known as “greasers.”)
Lopez said he’s hooked on the original. “I really like the show. It’s an audience favorite. I’ve held off on doing it because of the stage and cast requirements. Our plan was to have our stage remodeled this summer and ready to open this show on a new stage, but that got held up after we had already announced the show.”
Jacobs and Casey’s book, music, and lyrics, Lopez said, differ from the movie “mostly in the added songs and distribution of who sings what. The characters remain the same.”
He’s referring to two musical numbers from the movie that weren’t in the original production: “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Lopez said, “the licensing company now allows you to use those songs in the stage production.”
What audiences can expect to see in San Clemente
Lopez said he couldn’t be happier with his cast, which is headed by Braxton McGrath as Danny Zuko and Georgia Kate as Sandy Dumbrowski. Kenickie is played by Josh Martinez, Rizzo by Jennifer Ann Marks, Roger by Zane Caputo, Jan by Emma Gottlieb, Doody by Carson Inouye, and Frenchy by Ariana Nin.
Rounding out the cast are Jack Burford as Sonny, Kellie Petrosian as Marty, Madison Phipps as Patty, Lizzy Young as Eugene, Anthony Baker as Johnny Casino, Chelsea Brome Iacono as Miss Lynch and Teen Angel, Nadia Salina Salvia as Cha Cha Digregorio, and Omar Bustami as Vince Fontaine.
Lopez is tapping into his choreographic expertise to choreograph the production, assisted by Joanna Tsang Segelson, with Sarah Whitwell as musical director. Abby Cox is Lopez’s assistant director, and Lisa Garcia is stage manager.
Rubino’s set design is being constructed by Brian Vidales and painted by Sarah Kemp. Costumes are by Jenny Wentworth, wigs by Cliff and Kat Senior, lighting design by Jeremy Plant, props by Nicole Martensen, and program design by Hillary Pearson.
Lopez said he and his cast and crew are having a ball getting the show ready for audiences. “The characters are very fun, and it’s exciting to see the actors find all of the fun stuff that these characters embody.”
Eric Marchese has written about numerous subjects for more than 39 years as a freelance and staff journalist at a wide variety of publications but is best known as a critic, feature writer, and news reporter covering theatre and the arts throughout Orange County and beyond.
“Grease”
Cabrillo Playhouse
202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA
September 20 - October 13, 2024
(949) 492-0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org
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