Stage Review - Grease (Village Theatre)

Stage Review - Grease
Presented By: Village Theatre - Issaquah, WA
Show Run: March 24 - May 03, 2026 (Everett, May 09 - June 07)
Date Reviewed: Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Run Time: 2 Hours, 15 Minutes (with a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed by: Breanne Jensen

Based on the 1972 musical, later turned movie in 1978, “Grease” continues to bring smiles, laughs and unforgettable tunes that leave you humming for days. I had the pleasure of attending Wednesday April 8th’s production of “Grease” at Village Theatre with my youngest son (almost ten) who had never seen the movie or stage show! Watching him experience this show for the first time around the same age I did was equal parts surreal and refreshing for my “grown up” experience of the material, that absolutely went over his head, but this time, I was in on the jokes.

Grease is the story of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, two teenagers at Rydell High in 1959, who met over summer vacation. The two strike up a wild romance and bid the other farewell before the beginning of the school year, but when Sandy’s parents change their plans, the love birds end up reuniting on the first day of school to find out they aren’t quite the people they alluded to being over their brief encounter. Danny the bad boy and Sandy the good girl, are from two different sides of the tracks, but their love for one another always magnetizes them back in the fray. The girl crew known as the Pink Ladies, is led by Rizzo, Marty, Frenchy and Jan with Sandy trying her best to fit in. The boys’ group, known as the T-Birds, includes Danny, Doody, Kenickie and Roger. The story takes us through the real-life struggles of the modern day 1959 teenager and the struggles of fitting in, acceptance, dating, school sports, friend dynamics and partaking in adult activities that tend to lead to adult consequences. However, in true old school teen romance fashion, they meet one another halfway to conform to make the other happy. While I do feel as if this story is a classic, it is quite outdated for modern times, especially on how women should be viewed and treated. It’s a rite of passage to experience the movie and or show and every musical lover should see “Grease” at least once.

The direction and choreography by Lisa Shriver is craftily put together in a way that allows the audience to be in on the joke of how outdated it is, while never crossing a threshold of tacky, campy or taking itself too seriously. This allowed for it to be enjoyed for the staple that the subject is without being turned off by the outdated jokes and ideals. Every set, prop and costume change were met with ease and sensibility, allowing the show to move effortlessly from scene to scene. The sets whilst minimal are done in a way to be multipurpose from a bedroom to a dance, a school, car shop, etc. The lighting masterfully comes through the old cafeteria looking windows to create the perfect mood at the drop of a hat.

The leading role of Sandy, played by Maya McQueen, is brought to life with powerful vocals, doe eyes and the most precious presence you have ever seen, who brings immense power. Danny played by Daniel Velasquez, is picture perfect as a John Travolta look alike, with much stronger and impressive vocals, shining in “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” with his Jersey Boy Esque high notes. Kenickie, played by Chad Marge, is executed perfectly as the slick back hair, leather jacket wearing, bad boy around the edges, handsome fella he is portrayed to be. Marge’s charisma, charm and vocals are equally matched by his counterpart- Rizzo played by Jasmine Jean Sim. As usual Sim rises to every occasion she is given onstage. Sim’s voice, acting, dancing and execution as Rizzo make her character believable and lovable, when the world is continuing to make her hard. I had the pleasure of meeting Jasmine after the show and I was pleased to discover she is as equally kind and humble as she is talented, and I truly believe she is South Sound’s most underrated and underutilized performer.

The role of Marty is flirtatiously and lovingly played by Cherisse Martinelli whose professionalism leads her to never skip a beat, line or adlib moment with anyone she shares the stage with and whose voice is made of angels. Pink lady Jan played by Pilar O’Connell, T-Bird Roger played by Nick McCarthy, Radio personality Vince Fontaine portrayed by Brandon O’Neill, Miss Lynch the principal played by Terri Lee Thomas, Sonny portrayed by Jeffery Wallace II, the amazing star Cha Cha (danced by Shelby Willis), Eugene the lovable class academic preciously played by Connor Russell and Patty Simcox the teacher’s pet portrayed by Alegra Batara, all embody high level performances with character and vocal excellence that add glitter on an already perfect whole. The standout moment for me personally in this production is, “Beauty School Drop Out”. The set transformed completely into a setting that didn’t resemble anything we had seen prior as an audience member and gave us viewers a funny, lighthearted moment that transports you right into the movie (but better!). Frenchy played by Tori Gresham exudes the kindness, optimism, talent and warmth that Frenchy has always been personified to me as a viewer.  Gresham’s facial expressions, movements, comedic timing and genuine essence make her hard to keep your eyes off of. In Frenchy’s big moment of this song, she is met by her teen angel played by Dane Stokinger. Stokinger’s vocals are flawless, effortless, shocking and his one scene leaves the audience begging for more of his vocals and presence.

If one goes into “Grease” the musical thinking that they will see the movie, they will be pleased to experience the closest thing, while also noticing a few moments such as jokes, songs, and plot points that are all placed within the script differently than the beloved Travolta and Newton classic. Although the subtle changes, “Grease” at Village Theatre puts on a perfect showing of the story we all love or at least know the music from. Whether it is the nostalgia, the incredible space that is this theatre, the kindness of the staff, crew and actors or the level of professionalism, “Grease” at Village Theatre is fun for the entire family and like myself, you may end up “going together” with someone you love and know and end making friends with the person you met sitting next to you or even in line for the concessions. Whatever the reasoning and whichever location you attend, “Grease” at Village Theatre is feel good family fun and a cast that should not be missed!

The Village Theatre production of Grease runs on stage in Issaquah through May 3 before moving to Everett for a run May 9 through June 7. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://villagetheatre.org/.

Photo credit: Nikki Womac