Classic Rock ’n’ Roll Musical Runs October 9–11 at the Center for the Arts
The College of Staten Island Center for the Arts is turning back the clock to the fabulous 1950s with the announcement of the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of the beloved musical GREASE, running October 9–11 in the Williamson Theatre.
Directed and produced by Charlie Siedenburg, GREASE brings the unforgettable world of Rydell High to life with its legendary score of rock ’n’ roll favorites, including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Sandy,” “Beauty School Dropout,” “Born to Hand Jive,” “We Go Together,” and, of course, “Grease.”
“This is a terrific cast, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Rydell High,” said Siedenburg, Producing Artistic Director of the Center for the Arts. “We had an extraordinary turnout for auditions, and the talent and enthusiasm in the room made casting a wonderful challenge. Now the real fun begins as we travel back to 1959 and bring this iconic musical to life. I’m thrilled that we have in our cast six CSI students and two alumni.”
Leading the cast are David Serrano-Hernandez as Danny Zuko and Angelinna Cespedes as Sandy Dumbrowski. Alexandra Stein will play Betty Rizzo, with Michael Russo as Kenickie and Joanna DeJesus as Frenchy.
The cast also features John Gainer as Doody, Xavier Gray as Sonny, Robert Lombardi as Roger, Michelle D. Kats as Jan, Jacqliene Mangini as Marty, Jared Holness as Eugene, and Abbygail Khandros as Patty Simcox.
Rounding out the cast are James McKeon as Vince Fontaine, James McLaughlin McDermott as Johnny Casino; Ugonna-David Okeiche as Teen Angel and Bobby, Caitlyn Schmidt as Radio Voice and Connie, Hayley Walters as Cha Cha, Lisa Kropp as Miss Lynch, Eddie Mayrose as Coach Mayrose, Mary Avella as Miss Jones, Madison Chung as Brenda, Olivia O’Donnell as Kathy, Max Keppler as Janice, and Isabella Salcido-Lagano as Judy.
Creative Team
Siedenburg has assembled a veteran creative team for the production. Steve Rosenberg serves as Music Director, with Timothy Mayrose as Assistant Director/Choreographer. Diana Mannarino is Production Consultant, Samantha Rosenberg is Dance Captain, Craig Kwasnicki is Set Designer/Construction, Inna Cespedes is Costume Designer, Charles Moser is Lighting Designer, and Rob Morisi is Sound Designer.
Kathy Whelan Stein serves as Stage Manager, with Eddie Mayrose as Assistant Stage Manager.
“GREASE is one of those musicals that seems to live in everyone’s memory,” Siedenburg added. “The music, the characters, the cars, the clothes, the hair, the dancing—it is pure theatrical fun. We’re going to embrace the spirit of the original while creating a production that is energetic, fresh, and designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.”
Performances are Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm; Saturday, October 10 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm; and Sunday, October 11 at 2:00pm.
Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite College of Staten Island Center for the Arts and are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $20 for high school and college students.
For additional information about the College of Staten Island Center for the Arts and upcoming performances, visit the Center for the Arts online or follow its social media channels.
