Oakland University brings beloved musical ‘Grease’ to the Varner Studio Theatre

The halls of Rydell High are coming to life at Oakland University as OU's School of Music, Theatre and Dance presents “Grease,” the beloved musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Nov. 18-22 in Varner Studio Theatre.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Danny Gurwin, the production features a 26-member cast — one of the largest ensembles for an OU theatre production — bringing the story of high school friendships, romance and growing up in the 1950s to the stage.

Set in 1959, “Grease” follows Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as they navigate their summer romance and the social dynamics of returning to school with different expectations. Along the way, audiences meet the Pink Ladies, the Burger Palace Boys and the colorful characters who make up the Rydell High community.

"We’re very excited to bring ‘Grease’ to the OU stage this fall," Gurwin said. "With 26 members, it’s one of our largest casts and all are lovin’ going back to Rydell High. The show is a feel-good time."

The OU production will incorporate several songs made especially popular by the 1978 film adaptation, including "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Sandy," "Grease Is the Word" and "You're the One That I Want," adding familiar musical moments to the stage production.

For Madie Fischer, who plays Sandy, the role has offered an opportunity to connect with her character on a personal level. Rather than viewing Sandy's transformation at the end of the musical as simply changing herself for Danny, Fischer sees it as an expression of newfound confidence and self-acceptance.

"All of us have felt like the outcast before and have tried our best to fit into what people think they should be," Fischer said. "I see Sandy truly embracing who she is and becoming the woman she's always wanted to be."

Fischer said finding that perspective helped her bring the character to life while also discovering more confidence in herself.

The production also marks Fischer's first full-scale production since high school. She said one of the most rewarding aspects has been watching the many elements of the show come together, from learning music and choreography to memorizing lines and developing stage movement.

"The moment when it all comes together" is what makes the experience special, she said, describing the process as watching the individual pieces of a puzzle create the larger picture.

Ultimately, Fischer hopes audiences leave with an appreciation for live theatre.

"’Grease’ is such a fun musical, and it's supposed to make you feel carefree and relaxed," she said. "I hope that people walk out of the Studio Theatre with a renewed love for the art form that they carry with them into each show they see afterward."

“Grease” runs Nov. 18-22 in Varner Studio Theatre on Oakland University's Rochester campus. Performance times are 8 p.m. Nov. 18-20, 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 21, and 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

Tickets are available through eTix.

For additional information, visit the School of Music, Theatre and Dance events calendar.