Flood Stage Productions is putting the finishing touches on their upcoming production of “Grease”. Opening night is June 10 at the St. Charles High School auditorium, and the stage is the target for the efforts of dozens of volunteers. What comes and goes in a few performances did not just happen overnight.
Director Lori Gibson brings her considerable acting and directing talents to this production. She began auditions in March, but her creative mind has been developing this production for nearly a year. Casting a full crew of people who could act AND sing AND dance would have been daunting for some, but Gibson has collected a very talented cast to bring “Sandy”, “Danny”, “Roz” and the rest to St. Charles.
The choreography of this jumpin’ production has been developed by Greg Matzker. This St. Louis native took to dance by chance nearly 20 years ago, and has received recognition in everything from community theater to competitive swing dancing. “Getting to work on this show reminds me why I am in theater,” says Matzker. “Because it is fun!” With nearly 150 productions to his credit, he has recognized that the freedom allowed to him at Flood Stage is unique. “This cast has intensity and liveliness… no matter what I throw at them!” he says with pride. He says he has developed dance numbers that are reflective of the era, but not replicas of the movie’s routines, bringing excitement out from the stage and into the seats.
And what music is playing during all this dancing? All the music in the production is performed live by members of the local band “Bone Daddy”. Musical director Kevin Kurth is bringing 50’s dance tunes and the entire “Grease” score to vibrant life with the talents of these fabulous local musicians. And while most productions have only a week of rehearsals with actors and musicians together, “Bone Daddy” will have been rehearsing with the cast for nearly a month by opening night. Be sure to catch their act during intermission, too.
All this energy brings the music alive, but what transports the audience to Rydell High? Fantastic sets have been designed by Jim Davis to do just that. His greatest challenge was the very wide SCHS stage, but his vision for the sets truly brings a bit of Broadway to Flood Stage. Davis has devoted his talents to over 125 productions in a variety of venues, including ten years as Artistic Director for Christmas Traditions on Historic Main Street. Audiences will be amazed when the curtain goes up on Flood Stage’s production of “Grease”!
Flood Stage Productions has a cast of contributors who support community theater. The Quick Trip Corporation and the St. Charles Arts & Culture Commission have provided financial support. Griffey Custom Homes donated a generous supply of quality lumber and building materials. Cardinal Towing and the students at Lewis & Clark Technical School helped to make “Greased Lightning” a reality.
“Grease” runs June 10 & 11 at 8pm; June 17 & 18 at 8pm; and June 19 at 2pm. All performances are at St. Charles High School auditorium. Reservations are available by calling (636) 946-2114.
