Grease

The Woodland Wellness Collective Presents:
GREASE
Book, Music and Lyrics
by JIM JACOBS and WARREN CASEY

August 7-22, 2026

Week 1: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Week 2: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.,
Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Week 3: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.,
Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

“Grease” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. www.concordtheatricals.com

Show Summary

It’s 1959 at Rydell High School, and the duck-tailed, hot-rodding "Burger Palace Boys" and the gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" are ruling the roost. Over the summer, head greaser Danny Zuko and sweet new girl Sandy Dumbrowski had a secret romance. But when Sandy unexpectedly transfers to Rydell, Danny is torn between his feelings for her and maintaining his tough-guy reputation with his gang. As the school year kicks off, the teens navigate the complexities of peer pressure, rebellion, and young love, all set to a pulsing rock 'n' roll beat.

Photos courtesy of Michael Fortunato

About the Show

Grease is a cultural juggernaut that defined 1950s nostalgia for multiple generations. Originally written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the musical debuted in 1971 in a Chicago trolley barn as a gritty, aggressive, and raunchy play based on Jacobs' own high school experiences. By the time it reached Broadway in 1972, it had been slightly sanitized, and it went on to become the longest-running show in Broadway history at the time. Propelled even further into the stratosphere by the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease has become an indelible American artifact. It captures the birth of the teenager as an independent demographic, the advent of rock 'n' roll, and the rebellious spirit of the working-class youth, all wrapped in a leather jacket and a poodle skirt.

Curatorial Insight: Why This Show?
Grease is far more than just a nostalgic trip to the 1950s; it is a timeless celebration of teenage rebellion, identity, and the raw, electric power of rock 'n' roll. We chose this show to launch the 2026/27 season because it bridges generations. Grandparents, parents, and teenagers alike know the words to these songs, making it the ultimate communal theater experience. Beneath the leather jackets lies a deeply relatable story about finding out who you are. With its high-energy choreography and iconic score, this production is guaranteed to be a spectacular, do-wopping, hand-jiving party. Grease also plays to one of the Opera House’s production strengths - our deep bench of skilled teenage and young adult performers - and we are always thrilled to showcase some of the best young talent in the region!