A fan-favorite musical is bringing high school drama to Hilo this month with an “electrifying” presentation of “Grease” at the Hilo Palace Theater.
The popular show is being produced by the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre, or HEART, which recently has produced “The Prom,” “Cabaret” and “The Lion King Jr.”
“Grease” is a rock ‘n’ roll celebration of teen angst, fast cars and first loves set in the 1950s.
“I am thrilled to bring ‘Grease,’ one of the world’s all-time favorite musicals, to Hilo,” said HEART Executive Director Larry Reitzer. “The show is packed with explosive teen energy, incredible dance numbers, plus an all-star cast that features Hilo’s favorite musical theatre stars known from many of HEART’s past productions.”
Since the show’s Broadway premiere in 1972, “Grease” has become popular across the world, especially after the hit 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
At the time that it closed originally in 1980, “Grease” was the longest-running musical in Broadway history.
The show follows bad-boy Danny, played by Kaiulu Tioganco, and the girl-next-door Sandy, played by Meili Aspen, as they navigate love in a contentious high school setting full of peer pressure.
Kyra Gomes will play Rizzo, and Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin plays Kenickie, the leaders of the popular groups, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds.
Joining them are, Makoa as Marty, Kassidy Wilson as Frenchy, Kyden DeSa as Sonny, Lenx Neves as Roger, Aleah Kay as Jan, Mia Natsu Tulang as Patty, Sam Deitch as Doody, Zayne Paresa as Eugene, Yisa Var as Miss Lynch, and Jameson Sato and Darryl Castillo alternating in the role of the Teen Angel.
Reitzer is directing while Nicholas Souza and June DelaCruz produce the show. Choreography is by Aleah Kay and Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin, the musical direction is by Kyra Gomes and Grayson Mento, and Mahina Bell is the costume designer.
The show is a culmination of a four-week tuition-free summer camp for young people that were interested in performing on stage or being part of a technical crew for live productions.
The camp ran from May 29 to June 25 and ended with a “camper-only” production of “Grease,” which was presented to family and friends at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
Some campers were invited to be part of the ensemble for the adult production of “Grease” and will be featured in the upcoming performances.
The musical will play at the Palace Theater this week, with shows beginning at 7 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday, and at 2 p.m. for matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are on sale on the Palace website at hilopalace.com and in person at the box office.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
