Grease at El Portal Theater
Dates: 11/2/2025 - 11/16/2025
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📍 Theatre: |
Valley Opera and Performing Arts
5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets: $31-$98
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Valley Opera & Performing Arts (VOPA), currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated production of the iconic musical Grease, running from November 1–16, 2025 at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. VOPA’s exciting staging of this beloved show promises to be a dynamic, crowd-pleasing celebration of teen spirit, rock ‘n’ roll, and thrilling 50s dance moves.
Directed by Dylan F. Thomas, choreographed by Gary Roberts, and featuring a talented cast of local and regional performers, accompanied by the VOPA Vinyl band led by music director Lindsay Aldana, Grease tells the story of a group of high school seniors who find unexpected friendship and undeniable love, all against a backdrop of iconic 1950s nostalgia. With all the sass of the Pink Ladies, swagger of the Burger Palace Boys, and toe-tapping hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” this show delivers an irresistible mix of humor, heart, and high-energy fun.
“Grease is pure theatrical gold,” says director Dylan F. Thomas. “It’s a story about first love, friendship, growing up, and learning to be true to yourself — all set to one of the most iconic soundtracks in musical theatre history. We have some surprises in store, so we can’t wait to bring this unforgettable experience to audiences at El Portal.”
Located in the heart of North Hollywood’s arts district, the historic El Portal Theatre, now enjoying its 100th anniversary season, provides the perfect setting for this vibrant production, with its rich history, classic charm, and state-of-the-art stage.
This exhilarating show is perfect for longtime fans of Grease and newcomers alike. Whether you grew up singing along with the movie or are experiencing the musical for the first time, VOPA’s fresh and energetic staging will leave you smiling, singing, and dancing in your seat.
Cast and Creative Team for Grease at El Portal Theater
Cast
Tommy Glodo
Danny
Tommy is absolutely fired up to be playing Danny Zuko. Originally from Chicago, he studied Musical Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University before he moved out to LA. His previous roles include Pierre in “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812”, Jonathan in “The Play That Goes Wrong”, Grover (Fight Director) in “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”, and Jud Fry (Fight Director) in “Oklahoma!” He is beyond stoked to work with VOPA again. If you’re rocking with the boy then make sure to follow him @TommyGlodo on all platforms. He’s got some new music coming out so tap in with him and see what he’s been cooking up!
Jennifer Kersey
Sandy
Jennifer Kersey (Sandy) is thrilled to return to the VOPA family after appearing in Oklahoma as Laurey, Fiddler on the Roof as Tzeitel, and Die Fledermaus. Other Credits: Frozen the Musical (Queen Iduna, West Coast Regional Premier), The Sound of Music (Sister Sophia, California Theater), The Sound of Music (Musical Theater West), The Sound of Music (BroadwayAsia International Tours), Laura Ingalls Wilder (Laura, Artspower Tours), Jekyll and Hyde (Emma Carew), Parade (Mary Phagan), Godspell (“Bless the Lord”), “A Goofy Movie” (Max, El Capitan Theater 2023/2024/2025). Disney Cruise Line: Toy Story the Musical (Andy), Disney Dreams (Anne Marie). Operas: Cendrillon (Cendrillon, Viardot), Die Fledermaus (Adele). Theme Park Shows: Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knotts Berry Farm (5yrs as Cameo Kate), Legoland, Six Flags America, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Paramount’s Kings Dominion- plus film, television, commercials, and more! Jen travels with her children’s theater, Storybook Family Playhouse. @jactressz
Brennan Klitzer
Kenickie
Brennen Klitzner is looking forward to joining VOPA as Kenickie in their November production of GREASE. You may have most recently seen him as Jack Kelly in Simi's NEWSIES. Some of his other previous roles include, Roger (RENT), Bobby Child (CRAZY FOR YOU), Tully (Escape to Margaritaville), Warner (Legally Blonde) & Frederick Frankenstein (YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN). He is currently studying at ASU online with a minor in Theatre. When not immersed in musical theatre, Brennen loves spending time with his family, friends & watching sports (GO LAKERS & DODGERS!). He would like to thank his Mom, Brother & Sister for their constant love and support. He dedicates this show to his dad (love and miss you dad). @brennen.klitzner
Rachel Wilson
Rizzo
Rachel Wilson is thrilled to be making her VOPA debut as such an iconic character. She was, in fact, the exact opposite of Rizzo during her time in high school, so she’s excited to live vicariously through her character in this production. Other recent roles include Ella in R&H Cinderella (High Street Arts Center), Katherine in Newsies (ARTS @ SVCAC), Portia in Something Rotten and Liesl in Sound of Music (Camino Real Playhouse). Rachel would like to thank her incredible family for consistently making time to see every show she’s in (even when it’s a four-hour drive).
Lilach Cary
Marty
Lilach Cary is thrilled to be back for her fourth show with VOPA, and her third magical balancing act as both Assistant Stage Manager and ensemble member—basically a human Swiss Army knife. When not sprinting between cues and costume changes, she's working hard to maintain her proud and unbroken record of never accidentally stepping onstage with her headset still on. (So far, so good.) Big thanks to the extremely talented cast and crew of this show, and to her family for helping her find time to continue to pursue her passion for theatre and music.
Joshua Caleb
Roger
Joshua Caleb is excited to join this wonderful cast and crew for his first production with VOPA and can’t wait to return to the world of Grease! Some of Joshua’s other favorite credits as of late include Black Comedy, The Producers, and The Pirates of Penzance. He would like to thank his family and his Emily for all of their love and support. Finally, Joshua would like to thank his cat, Indigo, for her help with rehearsing the songs every night.
Emily Holz
Jan
Emily Holz is SO stoked to be back for another production with VOPA (and keeping the Grease tradition alive of being over 30 years old playing a high schooler)! She was most recently seen in one of her favorite roles to date as Ado Annie in VOPA's Oklahoma!. Other favorite roles include Margie O'Brien in A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol (Torrance Theater Company) and Linda in the Wedding Singer (Morgan-Wixson Theatre). She is also a voiceover artist whose voice has been heard in audiobooks, podcasts, video games, radio dramas, commercials and more, including the voice of "Bubbles", the animated fish host on the LivePlayBingo mobile app. She wants to thank her family for always supporting her and taking a break from milking goats out in a cornfield to come watch her sing some silly songs on stage. She hopes to one day be the annoying talking animal sidekick in a Disney movie.
Amanda Benjamin
Frenchy
Amanda Benjamin Is excited to take the stage as Ado Annie! From enchanting audiences as "Little Red" in Into the Woods, to captivating them as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and mesmerizing them as Christine Dae in a concert rendition of Phantom of the Opera, Amanda has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of theater.
Amanda's passion for music led her to pursue a degree from UC Davis. Eager to make her mark in the world of performing arts, she came to Southern California to establish herself on the stage. To further expand her artistic horizons, she ventured to Italy, where she not only studied but also had the privilege of performing. Immersed in the rich tapestry of Italian culture and history, she honed her skills and brought her unique flair to the international stage. She hopes you enjoy this performance as she brings new life to this classic character!
Yaniv Snir
Teen Angel
After a 25-year hiatus from the stage—spent wrangling international development projects and business strategies—Yaniv Snir made his grand return in VOPA’s Oklahoma!, followed by Best of Broadway… and Everything Else 3. Now he’s traded cowboy boots for shorty shorts in Die Fledermaus, grooving his way through Strauss with a side of disco. He thanks his family for their patience, his colleagues for pretending this is totally normal, and the audience for indulging what is clearly a sequined mid-life renaissance.
Bruno Satalino
Johnny Casino
Bruno Satalino is happy to be making his debut with Vopa! Credits include: Hans (West coast Premiere of "Frozen"), Tony (West side Story), Joe Hardy (Damn Yankees), Joseph (Joseph ATATD), Gabe (Next to Normal), Chad (All Shook Up), Bert (Mary Poppins), and Prince Topher (Cinderella). He would like to thank everyone in the creative team for this amazing opportunity, and is very grateful to be apart of this wonderful cast!! Follow him on social media @bruno_satalino on Insta & TikTok!
Camille Imperial
Cha Cha
Camille Imperial is an artist, originally from the Philippines, who began her journey with extensive training in both dance and voice. She completed the Royal Academy Of Dance syllabus in ballet and performed professionally back home before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her BFA in Dance Theatre at AMDA. She combines versatile dance training with vocal training, grounding her work in theatre and performance. In LA, Camille has danced with LA Choreographers & Dancers and performed in an all-woman immersive reimagining of Julius Caesar, which she also choreographed for. She is thrilled to make her musical theatre debut as Cha-Cha in Grease, bringing together her passion for storytelling, movement, and music.
Katelyn Cook
Patty
Katelyn Coon is thrilled to be in her first show at VOPA. Some of her favorite roles have been Tracy in Hairspray (SVCAC) Ella in R & H’s Cinderella (MWT) and Originating Abby in Abby Normal The Musical (House Theater) She’d like to thank the incredible cast and crew for all of their hard work and talent, as well as her family and friends for their love and support. Follow her Tik Tok and Instagram @katelynloves2sing and Katelyn Coon on YouTube.
Bowie Bundlie
Eugene
Bowie Bundlie is excited to be part of this amazing Grease cast! His theatrical debut was at age 4 in Glendale Center Theatre’s, A Christmas Carol, where he continued for 3 seasons as Tiny Tim. This summer, Bowie played Fate 3 in Theatre Palisades’ production of Hadestown. Other favorite roles include Chip in Casa 0101s Beauty and the Beast, Michael in McCoy Rigby’s Peter Pan in Saudi Arabia and Asher in Phantom Projects’ “The Giver”. On TV, Bowie co-starred on Homecoming with Julia Roberts, ABC’s The Goldbergs and appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show as half of the music duo, FDOS (@fdosofficial) with his brother. Bowie is the voice of Remy in the new animated show, “Remy Bear & Friends” coming soon to Peacock. Bowie is an accomplished jazz pianist and composer, and Bowie is working on the follow-up to his debut piano album, “This Goes To 11” due out this winter.
Mark Sterling
Vince Vontaine
No stranger to the theatre, Mark Sterling made his debut as Aladdin’s lamp in 3rd grade; now 60 years later, Fiddler! This production is his real acting debut, and while he is nervous, showbiz is in his blood! Sterling’s father, Dick Sterling, was a singer/comedian and partnered for a short time with the legendary Shecky Green. His sister, Mindy, is a “movie star” with tons of credits, but she is best known for her role as Frau Farbissina in the Austin Powers movie series, and Miss Briggs in I-Carly. But don’t get it twisted, Mark is great in front of a crowd and has emceed hundreds of events! Mark is the owner of World’s Greatest Promotional Stuff, where he produces t-shirts and swag for companies, including the Fiddler t-shirts you’ll purchase today! He worked at Braemar Country Club as a Tennis Pro for 20 years, quitting in 1998. 24 years later, during the pandemic, Mark returned to Braemar part-time with his new dream title, “social ambassador.” In his new role, he is both a Tennis/Pickleball pro and also the ‘bringer of fun’ to social events. Mark is honored to have been asked to play Yussel in Fiddler, and hopes he made you laugh today!
Linda Escobar
Ms. Lynch
Linda Escobar has been singing and performing professionally all her life. She started as a classically trained opera singer doing such roles as Carmen, Suzuki, The Beggar Woman from Sweeney Todd, and many others. Linda also has conducted various choirs and has produced shows here in Southern California. This is Linda’s second performance with VOPA. She performed as Grandma Tzeitel In Fiddler on the Roof, and is excited to explore this new role of Aunt Eller. In her spare time, Linda enjoys walking and avidly walks 3 miles every morning.
News About Grease at El Portal Theater
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About the Theatre
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El Portal Theater is at 5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, North Hollywood, CA.
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