GREASE Opens First Indoor Production for Theatre in the Park

"GREASE is the word, is the word..." for Theatre in the Park as the community theatre opens its first indoor production with the popular musical GREASE on June 9 for a three-week run at the new Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24; at 6 p.m. on June 11; and matinee performances at 2 p.m. on June 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25. GREASE is rated R and is recommended for mature audiences over 17.

GREASE features an all-star cast of local performers who were chosen during TTIP spring auditions. TTIP Producing Artist Director Tim Bair directs GREASE with a creative team that includes as music director/conductor Marsha Canady and as Liz Ernst choreographer. GREASE features a book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and WarRen Casey. The show ran for more than 5,400 performances on Broadway.

GREASE picks up after an eventful summer for the teens of Rydell High, including Rizzo and her Pink Ladies and Danny and his Burger Palace Boys. GREASE musically depicts the teen angst these kids face as the make their way through their senior year. With fun musical numbers including "Greased Lightening," "Look at me I'm Sandra Dee," "Summer Nights," and "Born to Hand Jive Baby," GREASE will have audiences on their feet wanting more!

"This truly is everyone's favorite rock 'n' roll musical," Bair said. "We've gotten great response from ALL ages! Folks remember the movie most, but everyone is in for a real treat with the live show."

TTIP Indoor tickets at the Arts & Heritage Center are all reserved seats. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+) and $15 for Youth (up to 10 years of age). Tickets may be purchased online or at the theatre. For more information, call 913-826-ARTS (2787).

In addition to GREASE, TTIP's 48th season of outdoor musical entertainment features five productions including SPAMALOT (rated PG-16) that opens at the amphitheater on June 2. All productions have seven performances over a two-week period.

In addition to SPAMALOT, the 2017 TTIP season also includes:

CRAZY FOR YOU (June 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24; directed by Kevin Bogan; Rated PG)

Disney's CAMP ROCK (June 30, July 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8; directed by Mark Swezey; Rated G)

BACK TO THE 80s (July 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22; directed by David Hastings; Rated PG)

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (TTIP dates: July 28, 29 & 30, Aug. 2, 3, 4 & 5; White Theatre dates: July 8, 13, 15, 20 & 22 at 7:30 p.m. July 9, 16 & 23 at 2 p.m.; Directed by Steven Eubank; Rated G)

Show time for the five outdoor 2017 TTIP outdoor productions is 8:30 p.m.

TTIP is holding the line on prices for the 2017 season with general admission only $8, youth $6, and children three and under may attend for free (but require a ticket for entrance). Limited reserve seating and parking is available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.theatreinthepark.org or at the theatre box office the nights of performance.

MOVIES IN THE PARK are back for only one buck! Sponsored by Shawnee Mission Health, four movie nights are set for the summer: June 6 - Disney's "Moana," June 20-"Sing," July 18- "Pitch Perfect" and Aug. 1- Disney/Pixar's "Finding Dory. Movie night details are available at the TTIP website, www.theatreinthepark.org/movies. On movie nights, gates open at 7:30 p.m. with movies starting at 8:30-8:45 p.m., depending on sunset.

The Theatre in the Park is located in Shawnee Mission Park at 7710 Renner Road, in Shawnee, KS, and is a program of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. TTIP is the largest outdoor community theater in the country, and has been providing quality theatre entertainment in the community for more than four decades. Sponsors of the 2017 season include First National Bank and Shawnee Mission Health.

For more information including entire show synopses for all 2017 TTIP productions, please visit http://www.theatreinthepark.org.

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