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Arts & Entertainment

Grease is Coming to Town

Grease is the word in an upcoming production at Anne Arundel Community College.

The Catonsville Youth Theatre’s (CYT) upcoming production of the musical "Grease" is now in rehearsals in Glen Burnie with performances scheduled for Aug. 19, 20 and 21 at the Robert Kauffman Theater of Anne Arundel Community College's Pascal Center for the Performing Arts. Show times are: Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. One weekend only. 

Long a popular favorite musical, "Grease" appeared on Broadway in 1971 and became a hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in 1978. 

Set in 1959 at Rydell High, the story follows senior leader Danny and his wholesome girlfriend Sandy along with tough-acting Pink Ladies leader Rizzo and her equally tough boyfriend Kenicke. Together the characters reflect high school adolescents struggling for acceptance by their peer group while celebrating an innocent era in song and dance.

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Impressive in numbers and talent at a rehearsal recently at Abundant Life Church in Glen Burnie were a dozen troupers including Erin Paxton, who is cast in the leading role of Sandy, Josh Magness, who will play the male lead of Danny, Emily Smith, who will play the major role of Rizzo, and Taylor Brown who is cast as Rizzo’s boyfriend Kenicke. 

Additional local student performers who are also featured in important supporting roles include David Pitt as DJ emcee Vince Fontaine and Karah Parks as teacher Miss Lynch. Dana Meyers plays Jan, Matt Dell is Roger, Ben Weinberg is Sonny, Jessie Gentille is Marty, Jake Lebowitz is Teen Angel, and Susie Davis is Cha Cha. 

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Watching all of them join together with fellow cast members from Pasadena, Arbutus and Catonsville in spirited dance numbers convinced me that this will be a show to dazzle everyone lucky enough to get a ticket.

This production is directed by CYT director Chuck Dick and is produced by Lisa Smith of Severna Park. Pleased at the progress, Smith said, “Chuck has worked with Josh Magness (Danny) since he was in elementary school, and Josh has now been in over 15 shows with Chuck. Josh introduced Emily Smith (Rizzo) to theater, which she loves. 

In addition to watching the cast rehearse four dance numbers, we also had a chance to chat briefly with the four leads – Erin, Josh, Emily, and Taylor – three SPHS juniors this year except Erin, who is a sophomore. They are dedicated troupers, who willingly travel to rehearsals, wherever scheduled, and they are totally committed to giving their individual best as Sandy, Danny, Rizzo and Kenicke.

It is especially gratifying that it made sense to move this show that began life in Catonsville as a Catonsville Youth Society offering here to AACC because of the abundance of our local young talent.

And finally, producer Smith reminds us to acknowledge the parents who have continuously supported the efforts of this talented cast, who are due special thanks.

Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for children age 7 and under. For more information, call 410-544-8426. 

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