Marcelo Nylund was Greased Lightning

Grease closes its run this weekend at the Skokie Theatre. Unfortunately, I did not get back to seeing it again, but my schedule got busier.

It is the talk of the town though. It had a great run with packed houses. I wish it would get extended, but Skokie Theatre has several other productions on the schedule. 

Marcelo Nylund brilliantly played Kenickie. The crowd seemed to be anxiously awaiting Greased Lightning and when it came, it killed! Equally good at the acting parts, Nylund was likable, yet slick in his interactions with Rizzo. He balanced both sides erectly.

One thing I take from Grease is a real appreciation for the performers. They did not let the smallish stage stop them. Somehow they made it all seem bigger. It was a fantastic performance al around.

I'll be looking for all the performers in their productions at Skokie Theatre and elsewhere. I will also be attending some other fun shows at Skokie Theatre.

Jodie, Marcelo Nylund and me in Skokie, IL-June 2024.

Eugene Almost Took Our Picture

When we saw Grease at the Skokie Theatre last month, we waited after the production to meet some of the stars. Andrew Buel, who played Eugene, was the first performer we saw.

I approached Andrew and complimented him on his performance. Then I asked him if we could take a picture. He proceeded to extend his hand for my phone. Confused, I asked why. He answered he though I wanted him to take our picture. Pretty funny. I explained we wanted a picture with him and he graciously complied.

Andrew was brilliant as the nerdy Eugene. The whole cast was very good. We really enjoyed the performance.

Grease runs through July 28 at the Skokie Theatre. After that, there are a few one-time productions and a few longer-run musicals. Grease was just the latest in a long line of outstanding shows I have seen at Skokie Theatre.

 Andrew Buel, Jodie and me in Skokie, IL-June 2024.

Taylor Morris Owned Rizzo

Once again,. I am featuring one of the stars of the production of Grease I recently saw at the Skokie Theatre. Today, Taylor Morris, who played Rizzo, gets my praise.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a woman of color portraying Rizzo. Morris proved talent and performance supersede all, including color. Morris belted out "Sandra Dee" like a pro, but it was her crooning "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" that really got to me. Not only did she sing it beautifully, she showed the angst and pain needed in that song. It was a multi-layered performance and one of the best of the night.

After the show, we specifically sought out Morris to applaud her. She could not have been more pleasant. She seemed shocked, almost embarrassed that we heaped praise on her.

It all just seemed appropriate considering we were in the month of Juneteenth. Maybe I shouldn't even mention race. Hopefully in time, it wouldn't even be noticed. 

Make no mistake though. No matter the color or race or any other factor, Morris killed it that night with her singing and acting. She captured Rizzo's spirit. This production goes another month and I hope to see her again. Either way, I will be looking out for her in other productions.

Jodie, Taylor Morris and me in Skokie, IL-June 2024.

Olivia Daly-Short Was a Great Substitute

Ordinarily when you see any entertainment production, whether sporting event, play, musical or whatever, you want to see the stars. It's a disappointment when a star misses and a substitute take that spot. It's no offense to the person who fills in (at least the event still happens), but the stars are who we want to see.

When we went to see Grease at the Skokie Theatre last week, the first announcement was the part of Sandy (one of the main characters) was being played by her understudy. This was Opening Night and one of the main stars was missing.

Things happen though. Performers are people and life sometimes gets in the way.

Of course, being local musical theater, I really didn't know any of the performers. I wouldn't know what I was even missing.

Then, when Olivia Daly-Short took the stage and belted out "Summer Lovin'" with co-star Seth Riley (featured here yesterday), none of that mattered. Olivia owned the stage. She was amazing.

Actually, the entire ensemble cast was great. This might have been the best production I have seen at Skokie Theatre and I have seen many.

After the show, we waited for performers to come out. Olivia was tops on my list to meet. She was as pleasant off stage as she was great on stage. She really seemed touched that we wanted a picture with her.

A few friends are trying to talk me into going again. That's an interesting idea. How would the "real" Sandy compare to Olivia's Sandy? Either way I can't lose though.

Olivia Daly-Short, Jodie and me in Skokie, IL-June 2024.

Danny Zuko Came to Skokie

Last week, Danny, Sandy and the whole gang from Rydell High came to Skokie and put on quite a performance. I have seen many productions at the Skokie Theatre and Grease ranks up there with the best.

Seth Riley brilliantly played Danny Zuko, one of the main characters and the love interest of Sandy Dombrowski, the other main character. Their angst-ridden love story is the backbone of this story.

Seth did a great job with the softer side of Danny when he is with Sandy and the cool side when he is with the rest of the gang. He did equally well with the singing and acting.

The musical is slightly different from the movie, but nothing to drastically affect the storyline. Still, it was interesting seeing what songs were left out ("Hopelessly Devoted to You") and what scenes were changed (Sandy did not appear all leathered up, nor did they sing "You're the One That I Want").

It was a great production, just the latest in a long line of other awesome musicals at Skokie Theatre. It's nice to have such entertainment just a few blocks from my place.

Jodie, Seth Riley and me in Skokie, IL-June 2023.