By Mindy Pedlar
Skip Epperson’s simple, classic set design takes us back to 1959, transporting us to Rydell High School’s reunion in Cabrillo Stage’s production of Grease now playing at the Crocker Theater.
Jon Nordgren leads a group of fine musicians that recreate the style and feel of 50s rock & roll.
Caleb Wildman’s creative lighting design aids in setting the mood.
Bethany Deal‘s costumes are spot on and well suited to the fresh yet 50s choreography of Director Cassie Nordgren. Why is it so much fun to see full skirts swirl in the big dance numbers? It just is.
And then there’s the cast. Tall, blonde and handsome, Jack Bloome commands the stage as Danny Zuko, leader of the Burger Palace Boys–the cool kids of Rydell High.
His love interest, the new girl in town Sandy Dumbrowsk, is convincingly played by Haley Clarke. Though petite, Haley matches Bloome’s vocal strength, and you can’t help but root for this couple.
Scott Boynton as Kenickie has the perfect look and Elvis-like moves as he sings Greased Lightning, while the whole gang has a blast singing and dancing around the 1959 Nash Metropolitan that Epperson and Technical Director Marcel Tjioe have overhauled for its moment in the spotlight. The entire cast gives their all.
There are magical moments: Jennifer Taylor Daniels’ rendition of Beauty School Dropout is a must-see, and local favorite David Jackson adds harmony and heart to Raining on Prom Night.
In short, the youthful enthusiasm of this talented cast uplifts the spirit. This show is simply a joy to watch. Only two weeks left, don’t miss it. Now playing Thursday-Sunday until July 10.
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Next Up: Candide
Candide, with its magnificent score by Leonard Bernstein, is Cabrillo Stage’s next offering directed and choreographed by Gary John La Rosa of New York.
Mounting this show, originally scheduled for 2020 but cancelled due to Covid-19, is a tremendous undertaking.
Fortunately, Candide is on the bucket list of most musicians — including Artistic Director Jon Nordgren, who decided to produce it again in 2022, Cabrillo Stage’s 41st season.
Musical Director Cheryl Anderson and Director Gary John La Rosa have assembled a cast of exceptional singers to present this beautiful show, complete with a 14-piece live orchestra conducted by Ms. Anderson.
Michael Stahl as Candide and Lori Schulman as Cunegonde, who both starred in last season’s production of Pirates of Penzance, head the large cast of 27.
The story, based on French philosopher Voltaire’s 1759 satirical novella, takes our hero, Candide, and his true love, Cunegonde, on separate journeys around the world, where they meet misfortune at every turn.
Reunited in the end, the disillusioned couple focuses with humility and appreciation on the simple, beautiful things in life — family, friends, home and, of course, a garden.
Thus, the stage is set for Bernstein’s vocal masterpiece, Make Our Garden Grow.
Candide runs Thursday-Sunday, July 21 through Aug. 14. Both shows play at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Avenue, Aptos. Tickets can be purchased individually or at a discounted rate for the season. Tickets available online at cabrillostage.com. Box office is open for phone and walk-in sales Thursday-Saturday noon to 6 p.m.