Celebrate Rydell High's class of 1959 at Tibbits
COLDWATER — Tibbits Opera House returns to the 1950s from July 13 through July 22.
“'Grease' is a fun show,” said WTVB radio morning man Ken Delaney, who is cast as a disc jockey for the two-week run of the rock and roll hit musical.
“Grease” celebrates Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all its duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.
Delaney doesn’t have to sing but plays a “swarmy” local DJ with the professional summer stock cast.
Delaney was in high school when the musical came out. Only one other cast member was alive then.
“They’re all professional show people,” he said. “They have incredible voices. I’ll never have a voice like that. But I’ve got the disc jockey voice.”
Delaney did shave his beard for the show, “to appear younger.”
The production is full of energy, charm, and fun, following the romance between “greaser” Danny and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy.
Delaney is in his 35th year as the morning man at Coldwater’s AM1590.
“I don’t remember the '50s per se, but I do remember the old 'Happy Days' TV shows. I do love the music of that era," he said.
The show features the “Shooby do wap,” part of the iconic soundtrack of the 50s generation, along with recognizable hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together.” Additionally, several songs from the movie, including “You’re the One That I Want,” “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “Grease,” are included with a special arrangement by Robert Stigwood.
“Grease” director Chad Tallon says, “When it comes to American musicals none is as historically well-known and incredibly fun as ‘Grease.’ I’m ecstatic to have this amazing young company bring this classic to the Tibbits stage.”
Delaney promises nostalgia, “That nerd, the cool guy in school. It’s all those stereotypes, the girls, the cliques and the hero. So, it’s really a snapshot of our past.”
“Grease” is choreographed by Dennis Dizon with musical direction by Sarah Altenburg.
Delaney worked the appearance into his job as Midwest Communications’ market manager. He was amazed that the cast who appeared in the last two weeks’ “The Little Mermaid” production could rehearse the musical simultaneously.
Delaney said there is no nepotism in his role. His wife, Christine, is the executive director of the Tibbits.
“I’ve appeared in smaller parts before and in community theater,” he said.
The design staff features Lexa Walker as scenic designer, Ashlynn Swauger as costume designer, and Jamie Gresens as lighting designer, with Tyler Evans as associate lighting designer. Props are by Ray Louise Sunshine, Luis Guzman Galdos joins as sound designer, Aaron Bell as technical director, and Ariel Sheets as production stage manager.
“Grease” is sponsored by Dr. Evan Frederick from Frederick Family Dental.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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Tickets for “Grease” range from $20 to $43, including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups, and students.
Performances run July 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on July 13 and 19.
Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, in person at the Tibbits Box Office inside the theatre, or at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or by calling 517-278-6029.
All tickets are charged a facility/ticketing fee, whether in person or not; there are no additional fees for ordering online.
All performances are in the restored historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St., in Coldwater.
---Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: 'Grease' coming to Tibbits' stage
