‘Grease’ brings Broadway brilliance to Branson’s Historic Owen Theatre

Who didn’t grow up knowing Grease? From the leather jackets and Pink Ladies to summer love, high school friendships and songs that have lived in our heads for generations, Grease is one of those musicals that feels a little like visiting an old friend.

The cast of Grease brings Rydell High to life during the Branson Regional Arts Council production at the Historic Owen Theatre. (Photo courtesy of BRAC/Marshall Meadows)

This past Sunday night, as the Branson Regional Arts Council closed its eight-performance run of Grease at the Historic Owen Theatre, I felt as if I had been transported back to the 1950s and into the Grease I knew growing up. From the first note to the final bow, the production captured the nostalgia of the classic while delivering top-notch vocals, acting, dancing and stage presence that could rival performances on much larger stages.

Director Jacob Deck assembled a cast with remarkable depth. Elijah Clay Lyons brought the confidence and swagger needed for Danny Zuko, while Taylor Haverstick captured both the sweetness and strength of Sandy Dumbrowski. Together, they carried the familiar Danny and Sandy story while making the characters their own.

Lindy Elliott delivered a memorable Rizzo, balancing the character’s sharp wit with moments of vulnerability. Cat Faggion brought warmth and humor to Frenchy, while Heather Moore Stolfa nearly stole the show more than once as the enthusiastic Patty Simcox. Stolfa’s comedic timing and commitment to the character made even her smallest moments memorable.

The vocals throughout the production were top-notch. From the leads to the T-Birds and Pink Ladies to the supporting ensemble, the depth of talent was evident. The harmonies were strong, the choreography polished and the chemistry natural. Perhaps most impressive was how effortlessly everything flowed. There were no noticeable awkward pauses or moments that pulled the audience out of the story. One scene moved naturally into the next, allowing the cast to maintain its energy throughout the evening.

The sets, props and costumes completed the experience, transporting the audience into the halls of Rydell High and the world of the 1950s without overshadowing the performers. By the time intermission arrived, the first act seemed to have gone by almost too quickly and left me wanting more. The second half returned with every bit as much energy and carried it through the final number.

That level of performance is particularly impressive in a community accustomed to professional entertainment. Branson audiences regularly experience exceptional singers, dancers, musicians and actors, and BRAC’s Grease held its own among the top-notch entertainment found throughout the area.

What audiences may not realize is that the performers taking the Owen Theatre stage are volunteer local artists. BRAC Executive Director Luke Menard said the cast included professional performers as well as community members whose careers are outside theater.

“I always say we're a community theater, but we put out professional quality performances,” Menard said.

After Sunday night’s performance, I would agree.

Adding something particularly special to the final evening was Broadway actress Peggy Lee Brennan, who played Frenchy on the 1976 national tour of Grease and later performed the role in the original Broadway production. Brennan spoke before Sunday’s performance about her journey to Broadway and offered advice to young performers pursuing their own dreams.

“Be yourself. Be uniquely who you are. Don’t try to imitate anyone else,” Brennan said.

Her words seemed particularly fitting for what followed. The performers stepped into characters audiences have known for decades while allowing their own personalities and talents to shine through.

I have had the opportunity to experience theater on Broadway and on other exceptional stages, and Sunday night was a reminder that the size of the theater does not determine the caliber of talent. Grease was polished, energetic, funny and genuinely joyful to watch.

If you have not experienced the talent and joy of a Branson Regional Arts Council production at the Historic Owen Theatre, I recommend adding one to your list. With Grease taking its final bow, audiences will not have to wait long for another opportunity. BRAC’s next mainstage production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, opens Oct. 1 at the Historic Owen Theatre.

Sometimes you do not have to travel to Broadway to experience a little Broadway brilliance. Sometimes, you can find it right here at home.

For upcoming show information, performance times and seats, contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or visit the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St. in Branson. The official BRAC ticket site confirms the Owen Theatre address and upcoming production listing.