Ridgedale Teen Actors Perform 'Grease' at Community Fundraiser in Troy

Ridgedale Teen Actors Present 'Grease' With Community Fundraiser in Troy

(Cherie Rolfe, June 7, 2024)

Troy, MI – The Teen Actors of Ridgedale Players Community Theater will perform “Grease” June 19-23, with a special performance benefiting Troy People Concerned on Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this special performance are $25 and include refreshments and a silent auction. Tickets are only available via the following link:

The special event brings together two Troy-based nonprofit organizations that serve the community. Troy People Concerned, founded in 1974, is a service organization that supports Troy residents in times of need by providing assistance, information and referrals. Ridgedale Players Community Theater has been a fixture in Troy since 1983, and its history of performances in the Detroit metro area dates back to the 1930s. Both are 501(c)(3) organizations.

Additional performances of “Grease” continue on Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m.; Friday June 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday June 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday June 23 at 3 p.m. All seats are $12 (+$2 processing fee) and are available on the Ridgedale Players website at ridgdaleplayers.com/tickets.

“Grease,” a musical comedy about teenage high school relationships in the 1950s, premiered on Broadway in 1972. The film version was released in 1978. Co-director Bill Davenport attributes the production's continued popularity to the music, which he says is “classic, neither dry nor old-fashioned.” Co-director Caity O'Brien says it's “the spirit of the music” that gives “Grease” its energy and fun, with songs like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightning.”

The Ridgedale production is an immersive experience. “When patrons enter the theater, they will pick up their “schedules” at the school “office.” They’ll be students from the moment they walk in the door,” Davenport said.

The theater is decorated like the show's Rydell High School and features photos of the cast and crew in 1950s-style advertisements, 45rpm vinyl records and space for photo ops. The show is incorporated into an original 1950s drive-in style short film starring the ensemble cast and filmed and edited by a teenage actor.

The messages and humor of “Grease” are perceived differently in today's world. Co-director O'Brien sees this as a warning. “The characters don’t treat each other well,” she said, and hopes that today’s teens are “more empathetic and caring toward each other.” She adds: “Don’t change yourself to please others. »

Yet co-director Davenport says today's teens are “the same hearted,” in the sense that “they're trying to get attention, but they don't know how to do it.” Adds Davenport: “It’s nice to do a show for fun…and it’s an escape to an earlier era.”

The Ridgedale teen actors range in age from 13 to 18 years old. They will perform the full version of the musical with some lyrical adjustments, Davenport said.

More than 90 young actors auditioned for the production, and it was a challenge choosing a cast of 30. Both co-directors agreed that it was an ensemble show with excellent music and a great energy where each actor has moments of contemplation.

“Any theater experience is delightful,” Davenport said, “with many people able to use their gifts… it feels like it’s the best part of our nature and collaboration.”

For Berkley High School junior Nathan Raimi, the show gave him the opportunity to use the video production and editing skills he learned in his news and broadcasting classes to create a short monster movie in the 50s style featuring the ensemble as werewolves and cheerleaders. The film loops during a scene at the drive-in and features a soundtrack from a classic horror film. “It’s cheesy and fun,” Nathan said.

Although “Grease” is Nathan's first show at Ridgedale, it will be the fifth production for Avondale High School sophomore Jessie Brault, who has experience on stage and behind the scenes. Jessie plays Roger, a character with “funny, crazy humor, but also a touch of love.”

For Jessie, the best part of the theater experience is always the people and “a chance to meet diverse friends from different schools,” but the hardest part of “Grease” is the dancing, especially the number ” Greased Lightning,” Jessie said.

The dancing for “Grease” was fun and different, choreographer Emma Rowan said. She wanted the dance to be authentic and researched the dances featured, including “Hand Jive” and “The Stroll,” and adapted them for a small stage.

She wants people to see the show because “the crew worked so hard, are so talented and so much fun.”

Ridgedale Players Community Theater is located at 205 W. Long Lake Rd. in Troy (since 1983.) The theater always welcomes new members, volunteers, donations and corporate sponsorships.