Grease at Shawnee Playhouse

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16VOk-FZW5PhKI4-AvWT0Is02YSmAozDmLgl3oJsIaQk/edit?usp=drivesdk

7/11/2025

For Immediate Release

Samantha Cameron, Press Writer

cameronscorner1016@msn.com

570-421-5093

Shawnee on Delaware, PA – The Shawnee Playhouse, celebrating its forty-sixth season, presents Grease, from July 18th through August 17th, 2025. Directed by Mackenzie Maula and choreographed by David Arzberger, this high-energy, nostalgic, headline musical stars veteran top talent from The Poconos and surrounding areas, including Jovon Barnes as Danny Zuko (Understudy: Kris Tjornhom), Gabrielle Drivon as Sandy, Samantha Lipperini as Rizzo (Understudy: Stefany Dalacio), Jordan Mailler as Kenicke (Understudy: Jordan Oney), Rocco Pugliese as Doody, and Haley Bronson as Frenchy. With music direction by Noelle Valario, this lively production also showcases Jarrett Gorham as Roger, Julia Hodnik as Jan (Understudy: Johanna Gelbs), Keegan Ramsey as Sonny (Understudy: Jessica Zimmerman), DaDa Ike as Marty, Kathryn Rogers as Patty, and Joseph Mowad as Eugene (Understudy: Peter Valcukas).

Grease began with an eight year Broadway run and is still among the world’s most popular musicals, with a cult-like following that is still ever-growing, especially amongst teenagers. Set in 1959, Rydell High School’s senior class is in rare form. The too-cool-for-school “Burger Palace Boys” are stealing hub-caps and acting tough, and their gum-snapping, chain-smoking “Pink Ladies” are spicing things up in bobby socks and pedal pushers. The high school dream explodes in this rollicking musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the fifties and a satire of high schoolers’ age-old desire to be rebellious, provocative, and invincible. At the heart of this energetic musical is the romance between hot-rodding gangster, Danny Zuko, and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy Dumbrowski. Join them as they attempt to rekindle their summer romance, while the context of school, peer-pressure, external personas, and cliques make their love a bit more complicated. The whole gang sings and dances around their romance, while Danny attempts to maintain his cool dude status, and Sandy attempts to preserve her demure identity. The audience will enjoy the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, through "Greased Lightnin'", "We Go Together”, and many other classics that became the timeless soundtrack of a generation.

With the book, music, and lyrics written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, this dynamic and charismatic musical also stars Vanessa Ramos as Cha Cha (Understudy: Bri Rosa), Jules Grindraux as Teen Angel, Anthony Gaglione as Vince Fontaine, Ann Lehman as Miss Lynch, and Sean Cortes as Johnny Casino. This vivacious rendition also features an energetic ensemble cast, including Em DeBlasio, Skipper DeBlasio, Algernon Downie, Madelyn Drivon, Keegan Henning, Kelly Kerr, Marielle Prudencio, Peter Valcukas, and Abigail Weidenbaum.

Produced by Charles and Ginny Kirkwood, and under the executive direction of Midge McClosky, the creative crew for Grease features a veteran technical team, including Jessica Zimmerman as stage manager, Nevaeh Fair as Assistant Stage Manager, Barbara Beltz as costumer, Kenneth Card as promotional photographer, Bobby McClosky as media manager, and Samantha Cameron as press writer.

Showtimes, dates, and ticket prices are as follows:

2:00pm: July 19th, 25th, 26th, and August 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th

3:00pm: July 20th, 27th, and August 3rd, 10th, and 17th

7:00pm: and July 18th, 19th, 26th, and August 2nd, 9th, and 16th

A special, shortened, sensory-friendly performance, that highlights aspects of the show, is scheduled for Sunday, July 27th at 1:00pm, for $5.00 per ticket.

Tickets are $35.00 each for adults, $30.00 each for seniors, and $20.00 each for children seventeen and under.

Meal and a Show tickets are $61.00 per adult, $50.00 for children ages thirteen to seventeen years old, and $35.00 for children ages four to twelve years old.

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For more information on show dates, times, and to purchase tickets online, please visit The Shawnee Playhouse at www.shawneeplayhouse.org. If you need further assistance, please call the Shawnee Playhouse Box Office at 570-421-5093. Enjoy the show!