Jim Jacobs News

What did our critic think of GREASE at Rialto Community Theatre?

Grease was first staged in 1971, with music, lyrics, and a book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It had its debut on Broadway in 1972 until it was eventually adapted into a movie starring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John in 1978. This play and its consequent movie were a cultural icon, with songs that persist through time and are deeply rooted in modern pop culture. And for the first time, in 2025, it was performed in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As an ensemble, the cast performs with great enthusiasm and precision. Read our critic's take.

Grab your motorcycle jackets, your Brylcream and your poodle skirts and come hand jive with the best along the river.

What did our critic think of GREASE THE MUSICAL at Argenta Contemporary Theatre?

On Sunday, August 4th, I had the pleasure of seeing the musical GREASE at Musicals at Richter in Danbury, CT.  With book and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, director Jessica Smith combines her talents with music director Andrew Gadweh, and choreographer Melissa Arizzi to help bring out the best in this stellar cast of actors and actresses who come across as professional ringers, enjoying their roles, and radiating positive energy from the stage, drawing the audience right in, as we all enjoyed this wonderful performance in this newly renovated first-rate outdoor venue. 

Musicals at Richter will celebrate its 40th season with the classic high school musical GREASE. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Adopting Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's original stage version, the production deviates from the famous movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Here we see subversive, sex-driven working-class teenagers among industrial Chicago instead of beachy California. Sandy Olsson is now Sandy Dumbrowski (reflecting the '50s influx of Polish immigrants), the infamous T-birds are the Burger Palace Boys. There is an undertone of gang warfare as the rebellious group often push against authority getting in trouble with the police - it's giving West Side Story.

I will be the first to admit that I am NOT a big fan of this show, so BOO! HISS! if you like...BUT I will admit this cast has SO much fun and energy and talent. I won't argue with a cheering SOLD OUT Show.

Randy Rainbow is back with his latest parody, this time poking fun at Marjorie Taylor Greene. Check out the video here!

Experience THE LIGHTNING THIEF: A PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at Skokie Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

The cast has been revealed for Mountain Theatre Company's production of Grease. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Join the auditions for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and GREASE by Musicals at Richter, Connecticut's longest-running outdoor theater.

GREASE, THE MUSICAL is given a new treatment, satisfying audiences looking for a toe tapping night of nostalgia while honoring the early stage productions and liberally referencing the famous 1978 movie adaptation.

Bucks County Playhouse has unveiled its 2024 subscription season. Featuring four productions in the historic playhouse, the Playhouse’s 85th season kicks off in May. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

For a group of senior citizens in London, Ontario - fame wasn't on their minds when they signed up for an aged 55+ production of the musical Grease. However, thanks to a now-viral TikTok video, their May 2024 production is completely sold out, with an ever-growing waitlist at the box office.

Social media personality and comedian Tobin Mitnick recently shared on Instagram photos found by his mom (thanks, mom!) of himself co-starring in a childhood production of Grease with none other than Taylor Swift.

The full cast has been set for the UK and Ireland tour of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Additional performances have been added in Dublin, Manchester, Newcastle etc.

This revival of Grease is close to perfection… and dare I say it, I think I prefer it to the film! Not only do we get to follow Sandy and Danny in Grease The Musical, we also become more acquainted with all the Pink Ladies and T-Birds, which results in Grease The Musical feeling much more of a Rydell High ensemble show. Something that is most welcome.

After incredibly successful summer seasons in 2022 and 2023; Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey's iconic musical GREASE will tour the UK and Ireland in 2024. GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.