Grease

2009

Co-founder Ryan Klug returned for the third year in a row in 2009 to direct the musical Grease. This popular show would set a ticket revenue record for Lakeshore Productions, Inc.

Most cast members were not born when Grease made its Broadway debut in 1972 — nor when the movie version opened in 1979. But they certainly did connect with the story, the music, the look and feel of the 1950's.

"I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded by such fantastic and awe inspiring talent," said Klug. "Everyone in the cast, crew and staff has gone above and beyond this year." The 85-member cast included seven college students who are majoring in acting, musical theatre or music.

The stage version begins with a reunion of the Rydell High School Class of 1959 — and the student antics could awaken memories of any alma mater. LPI veteran Jake Horstmeier returned to play Danny Zuko, while Rachel Maxon made her local debut as Sandy Dumbrowski. Other major cast members were Andrea Boehlke as Betty Rizzo, Alex Van Handel as Kenickie, Jessica Patterson as Marty, David Quinn as Sonny, Tricia Lutze as Frenchy, Matthew Lucas as Doody, Emily Timm as Jan, and Kevin Lampe as Roger.

The creative team included stage manager Shari Roehl, assistant stage manager Stephanie Gibson, music director Zach Holzer, choreographer Veronica Hilke, supplemental choreographer Mallon Mackenzie, set director Peder Berg, costume designer Chris Timm, and hair and makeup supervisor Wendy Murphy.

Grease became Random Lake’s 14th summer show. "I've been lucky enough to be the director of many of the shows since that shared dream came to fruition so long ago, and each show I’ve helmed will have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life - none more so than this one," Klug noted.

With most shows being sellouts, Grease proved once again that a musical love story — bursting with denim, cheerleaders, slick hair styles, rock ’n’ roll, teenage angst and young romance — is timeless and universal.