grease | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: North Shore Music Theatre’s ‘Grease’ hits a solid groove and then some

Posted on August 22, 2025 by The Sleepless Critic

As North Shore Music Theatre’s The Wizard of Oz took audiences inside a powerful tornado, this Grease takes place inside a multicolored lit jukebox.

Ambitiously directed with smooth choreography by Kevin P. Hill and lively music direction by Milton Granger, North Shore Music Theatre continues its 70^th season with the hit musical, Grease live and in person at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, August 24. This upbeat musical has some adult language and runs approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Hank Santos (Kenickie) with Jeremiah Garcia (Roger), Nick Cortazzo (Danny Zuko), and Jayson Brown (Doody) in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Director Kevin P. Hill creates a few cleverly presented magic changes in perspective that brings major themes of this musical heightened meaning. Don’t expect to see a retread of the hit 1978 film or the stage musical, but a balance of both while staying true to the show’s themes with a few surprises along the way. Themes like bullying, adolescence, peer pressure and fitting in take center stage and are as relevant as any of the musical’s love stories.

Caroline Siegrist (Sandy Dumbrowski) and Nick Cortazzo (Danny Zuko) in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

From oversized vinyl records to famous 50s dance moves including the hand jive to classic cartoons to a cherry red convertible to an epic floor featuring a gleaming tapestry of images including Marlboro cigarettes, lipstick, and vintage roadsters, Grease offers plenty of warm 50s nostalgia using Alex Berg’s polished sound design with scenic and lighting designer Jack Mehler. A peek into Mehler’s illumination includes a starlit floor and sparkling vinyl records. Costume coordinator Rebecca Glick also helms a trip down memory lane in the T-Birds and Pink Ladies jackets right out of the film, pastel gingham skirts and frilly crinoline gowns, silks, and colorful vintage Rydell High school uniforms.

The cast of “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Taking place in the late 50s and featuring an array of hit songs including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin, Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, and We Go Together, Grease focuses on Caroline Siegrist as new Rydell High School student Sandy. Little does Sandy know that Nick Cortazzo as ladies man Danny in which they shared a fleeting summer romance, also attends the same school.

This well cast musical resembles their classic 1978 film counterparts and features songs that do not appear in the film in its entirety. Taking a cue from Stockard Channing in a short pixie cut and deep clipped vocals, Bailey Reese Greemon shares that frank, intimidating and guarded indifference as Betty Rizzo. The bullying seems more extreme and the T-Birds are depicted as macho juvenile delinquents albeit with plenty of comic relief touched upon in Hank Santos as Kenickie’s slick number, Greased Lightnin. Caroline Siegrist is a sweet Sandy with silvery soprano vocals that give off Olivia Newton-John vibes while Nick Cortazzo portrays Danny as a ladies’ man with comic zing. Hopelessly Devoted to You, a song written by the late great Olivia Newton-John for the Grease film, is perfection within Siegrist’s longing vocals.

Caroline Siegrist as Sandy Dumbrowski in “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

Brittany Zeinstra steps more into the spotlight as Marty, a glamorous and flirty romantic and resourceful pen pal. Her path to romance is examined in her coy number, Freddy My Love and Jeremiah Garcia as Roger and Sunayna Smith as Jan share a goofy yet humorous duet in Mooning boasting compelling harmony.

In a vision of silver and white, Beauty School Drop Out, featuring dynamite vocals by Avionce Hoyles as Teen Angel, is lighthearted, comical and one of the best numbers of the production. However, Kathy St. George is a scene stealer as English teacher Miss Lynch. A skilled and avid dancer, expect the unexpected from spitfire Kathy St. George who is delightful, especially during the number, Born to Hand Jive.

Avionce Hoyles (Teen Angel) with Lily Kaufmann (Frenchy) and the cast of “Grease” at North Shore Music Theatre thru August 24, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

North Shore Music Theatre’s Grease remains slick and cool while still offering something new to this classic hit musical. North Shore Music Theatre continues its 70^th season with the hit musical, Grease live and in person at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, August 24. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Turn up that jukebox for Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s lively musical comedy ‘All Shook Up’

Posted on July 18, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Meet Chad, a would-be Elvis big on swagger, sideburns and love for the ladies.

From that electric Jailhouse Rock opening, All Shook Up soaks up the nostalgia and the lighthearted side of the ‘Fabulous ‘50s.’ Adding humor, fun frivolity and amazing choreography, All Shook Up boasts powerful vocals and plenty of love to the beat of Elvis’s greatest hits. Turn up that jukebox. It’s time for a ride down memory lane.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will be rocking when ALL SHOOK UP, featuring 25 of Elvis’ hit songs, takes the stage July 12 – 21, 2024. (l to r) Chad (Christopher Lewis) and Ensemble. Photo by Robert P.

With exuberant direction by Arthur Gomez, tight and sweeping choreography by Larry Sousa with upbeat music direction by Mindy Cimini, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents All Shook Up live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through July 21. This engaging musical comedy is approximately two hours with one 15 minute intermission and not for young children. Click here for more information and for tickets.

eagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will be rocking when ALL SHOOK UP, featuring 25 of Elvis’ hit songs, takes the stage July 12 – 21, 2024. (l to r) Chad (Christopher Lewis) and Ensemble. Photo by Robert P.JPG

Vibrantly charged in florescent blue and red by Frank Meissner Jr, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston brings the 50’s back to life with Janie Howland’s vintage set design of Main Street USA which includes Sylvia’s Honkey Tonk, Jim’s Service Station, Main Street Museum and appropriately Town Shoes which is a hint for those blue suede shoes. Each locale plays an integral part in roustabout Chad’s wild journey.

Boasting a Bye Bye Birdie vibe with Grease energy, All Shook Up looks at a small Midwestern town’s perspective on a summer day in 1955 when Chad, portrayed distinctly by Christopher Lewis, makes an instant impact. Lewis shakes up Main Street USA for the better while unearthing a guitar-tinged bebop vibe that self righteous and plotting Mayor Matilda, depicted with sharp comedic timing by Janis Hudson in a performance reminiscent of Joan Cusack, is determined to stop. In cat eye glasses and alongside James Turner the III as suspicious Sheriff Earl, Hudson shines in the fierce and catchy number The Devil in Disguise, humorously posing and barking out orders with zeal and authority.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will be rocking when ALL SHOOK UP, featuring 25 of Elvis’ hit songs, takes the stage July 12 – 21, 2024. (l to r) Mayor Matilda (Janis Hudson) and (Christopher Lewis) and Sheriff Earl (James Turner III) Photo by Robert P.

All Shook Up is full of deadpan jokes and clever quips with Elvis song titles and lyrics. When a townsperson points out Chad’s blue suede shoes, Chad casually warns to lay off them. Part impersonation with the vocal chops to match, Chad embodies the larger than life qualities of Elvis, but takes it one step further making the part his own exemplified in a resonating rendition of I Don’t Want to demonstrating Lewis’s own unique and dynamic range.

A storm of unrequited love and love triangles taken from a mix of Shakespearean comedies, this ‘50s musical comedy infuses a lot of elements into this lively tale and it works. Christopher Lewis as Chad makes a powerful impression on everyone he meets. Gwynne Wood as Natalie is the mechanic and is looking for more excitement than this little town can hold. Wood is endearing as Natalie who is sensible, timid, and resourceful with a powerful belt for One Night with You. Wood shares some charming chemistry with Jackson Jirard as best friend Dennis who only has eyes for Natalie. Jirard also shares some amusing scenes with Lewis, Wood, and Alfred-Jean Chavier’s Jim as the voice of reason.

Tader Shipley as vampy blond bombshell Miss Sandra also makes her own impression with a soaring rendition of Let Yourself Go and alongside the cast for a sassy take on Teddy Bear/Hound Dog.

Carolyn Saxon brings sincerity and candidness to Sylvia and shares a varying yet sweet rapport with her daughter, Lorraine, depicted by Amaris Rios and Jean-Alfred Chavier as forthright and apprehensive widow Jim. Saxon performs a stunning rendition of There’s Always Me.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will be rocking when ALL SHOOK UP, featuring 25 of Elvis’ hit songs, takes the stage July 12 – 21, 2024. Sylvia (Carolyn Saxon). Photo by Robert P.

The production also flips the script in more ways than one while staying faithful to the Shakespearean twists. Rebellious Lorraine and Preston Karp as dutiful Dean share exciting chemistry and their rendition of It’s Now or Never is a delight alongside Sousa’s innovative bus choreography.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will be rocking when ALL SHOOK UP, featuring 25 of Elvis’ hit songs, takes the stage July 12 – 21, 2024. Dean (Preston Karp) and Lorraine (Amaris Rios) Photo by Robert P.

C’mon everybody is a classic and vintage showstopper weaving in classic dance moves as Emerald City Theatrical does it again in vintage gleaming colored costumes ranging in plaids, bowling shirts, and gorgeous fit and flair crinoline dresses.

All Shook Up is bright, catchy and a lot of fun with an inherent message within an array of beloved Elvis hits that might lighten the weight of this world for awhile.

With exuberant direction by Arthur Gomez, amazing choreography by Larry Sousa with upbeat music direction by Mindy Cimini, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents All Shook Up live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through July 21. This engaging musical comedy is approximately two hours with one 15 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Americana Theatre Company’s Michael Kirkland and Jennifer Martin talk bringing epic musical ‘Man of La Mancha’ to the South Shore

Posted on July 9, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

Americana Theatre Company is taking the South Shore on an epic quest in the multiple Tony Award-winning musical, Man of La Mancha at Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth, Massachusetts through Sunday, July 29. Starring TV personality Scott Wahle, a fascinating cast, and featuring a memorable score that includes the classic number, The Impossible Dream, Man of La Mancha is based on Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote.

Americana Theatre Company’s Man of La Mancha Director Michael Kirkland Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

Americana Theatre Company Associate Artistic Director and Gypsy in Man of La Mancha Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

American Theatre Company’s Jennifer Martin and director Dr. Michael Kirkland discuss going through 500 audition tapes, their current season, and why Man of La Mancha sometimes felt like a farce. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Sleepless Critic: This is your first time directing Man of La Mancha.

Michael Kirkland: It is, but it is also my seventh La Mancha. I’ve been blessed to portray Sancho Panza four times professionally. I’ve also played The Barber, have choreographed the combat and violence in the show maybe six of the seven times, but have always longed to direct it.

SC: Doing a show that many times makes you that much more prepared of what works and what doesn’t.

MK: Directing the show is a real blessing because I have formulated well germinated ideas about the piece and I finally have an opportunity to experiment with those ideas, but I never lock myself out of the possibility of change.

SC: Although Man of La Mancha is a comedy, Americana Theatre Company’s past production of The Three Musketeers also featured swordplay and took place in a similar time period. Did the actors train the way they did for The Three Musketeers?

MK: Yes, it is a physical show with combat fighting ranging from realistic to stylized to serious to comical narratives and techniques. Similar challenges but different than swordplay. Swordplay has more rules and challenges that come with it. This is all hand to hand and found weapons, which are objects laying around that become unusual weapons.

SC: Man of La Mancha’s The Impossible Dream in itself is epic. So how did Americana decide to take on this show?

Jennifer Martin: This is our third foray into musical theatre having taken on Grease and Lucky Stiff previously. We try to choose stories that we believe matter, have great entertainment value, make our community better, and are ensemble driven. Man of La Mancha is a storytelling, ensemble-driven show that works well with our company. This show is great for that because Cervantes enters the prison and uses the prisoners to tell his story.

American Theatre Company Man of La Mancha

Scott Wahle as Don Quixote and Bethany Lauren James as Aldonza with Ruben Navarro as Sancho Panza

SC: TV personality Scott Wahle stars as the Man of La Mancha. He’s been in a few shows in the area such as Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s Guys and Dolls and Company Theatre’s Paragon Park. He has a certain charisma and comic timing that fits Man of La Mancha. How was the audition process?

JM: We posted the audition on Backstage for our New York auditions and viewed about 500 audition videos for Aldonza, Sancho Panza, and Don Quixote (Cervantes). After reviewing those videos, we traveled to New York and we did a full day of five minute audition slots. We found Aldonza and Sancho Panza, but we still didn’t have our Man of La Mancha. Americana’s President Peter Martin suggested his friend Scott Wahle. Finding the Man of La Mancha was our actual quest and once we found him, everything fit into place.

SC: What has been the show’s biggest challenge?

JM: The first rehearsal process and making sure that above all, the words and richness of what was written is experienced by the audience while moving quickly. The other challenge unique to our company is our four company members performing in the show are wearing multiple hats. Managing Director David Friday plays The Governor and The Innkeeper while being the set builder and designer. We’re doing a comedy, but sometimes it feels like a farce.

MK: The concept we had settled upon affords an exploration of layers. What I’m trying to communicate in this particular interpretation is even Cervantes does not completely understand the power of what he has written and it takes these prisoners and him watching how his story redeems them that truly brings home the power.

SC: Man of La Mancha has something for everyone, but I think men will especially enjoy it.

MK: It is a show with depth, substance, and great heart. It also has some bite to it and aspects of it might be border line uncomfortable for people to experience. I always think we can tell redemptive stories of girl scouts or in this particular instance, prostitutes. The show makes a powerful statement by the end of this story.

Americana Theatre Company Man of La Mancha bow

The complete cast Photo credit to Denise Maccaferri

SC: What’s been your favorite part of putting the show together?

MK: I love to collaborate. We had collaborative sessions on the telephone before we ever got here, just kicking around ideas then settling upon how we are to realize the conceptualization of the piece. Then we start working with those people on a day to day basis bouncing ideas off each other, then trying things, and then trying them on the performers. Theatre affords you what some more isolated performing arts don’t. Theatre is created and performed in community. Good ideas are great, and once it is on the stage, it’s not mine. It’s ours.

SC: The current season includes Man of La Mancha, Sleepy Hollow, and The Gifts of the Magi. How do Americana select each season?

JM: We look at what would be good for the town of Plymouth based on audience feedback of what they respond to, interested in, what they love, and what they are longing for. We chose Man of La Mancha because we love the story, thought we could tell it well, and saw that it hasn’t been told for awhile in this area.

Our selection process takes about four months of thought and steady, hard work. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was chosen because we realize this area values holidays and traditional stories. We thought of doing a one man version of Sleepy Hollow. Our founding director Derek Martin is currently working on adapting the script and our Managing Director, David Friday, will be performing it. We’re excited about performing an old, beautiful story in a simple, straight forward and creative manner.

The Gifts of the Magi is a lovely, six person musical so dear and true to the holiday season. We wanted to tell a holiday story and keep the cast small in the wintertime because we want to perform it in the Center for the Arts, a small space.

SC: Studio Americana youth program delves into a lot of big fantasy productions such as Peter Pan, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland. I understand fall registration is still open.

JM: Yes, registration is still open. At Studio Americana, we work with each child individually which is why we keep the shows intentionally small so each student has an equal amount of time. A lot of students say it’s the best part of their summer.

Photo courtesy of Studio Americana

SC: What do you envision the future of Americana Theatre Company?

JM: We still are a bit of a secret in the South Shore. We are blessed to have consistent five star reviews from people who come. When people finally come, they say I can’t believe I’ve missed you guys. We’re expanding our season with a cabaret and fundraiser in March, a show through July and have offerings in October.

We’re a 501(c)3 company and have some great community sponsors. As we get more support, we’d love to expand to a six show season where things are constantly happening. People who come to Plymouth get the highest level of theatre across the United States, but we want our residents and guests to feel like this is also their hometown theater company.

Americana Theatre Company proudly presents Tony award-winning musical Man of La Mancha through July 29 at Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court Street in Plymouth, MA. Click here for more information and tickets. Click here for how to support Americana Theatre Company. Follow Americana Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

For Performing Arts news, interviews, reviews, and much more in Boston and beyond, follow us on Facebook @sleeplesscritic and subscribe.

Massasoit Theatre Company presents the insightful, award-winning play, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

Posted on March 8, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Sometimes waiting for a new life to start can be the most important thing in the world. Massasoit Theatre Company proudly presents A Raisin in the Sun, an award-winning, insightful play, and chosen for its poignant themes that speak to today’s society. Adapted into the 1961 film starring Sydney Poitier, a musical, a TV movie, and revived on Broadway in 2014, Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry has made a significant impact over the years since its Broadway debut in 1959.

Massasoit Theatre Company’s A Raisin in the Sun will take the stage for one weekend only from Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11 at Buckley Performing Arts Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. A talk back will take place after the performances on Saturdays. Click here for more information and for tickets.

A Raisin in the Sun is hailed for its gripping insight on poverty, racism, and inner turmoil. Directed by Corinne Mason and produced by Mark Rocheteau, ‘Raisin in the Sun’ focuses on the Youngers, an African-American family who are struggling to survive, but dreams of better things to come. With the entire family living in a tiny apartment, Amber Smith as Ruth, Keion Lugay as Walter Lee, Kadisha Harris as Travis, and Arial Wigfall as Beneatha all have their own individual dreams of making a new start. However, life has its unexpected turns.

See A Raisin in the Sun for four performances only on March 9, 10, and 11 at 8 p.m. One Saturday matinee performance takes place on March 11 at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at Buckley Performing Arts Center, One Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Discounted student, senior, and group rates are all available. Call 508-427-1234 or click here for tickets and further information. Follow Massasoit Theatre Company on Facebook for upcoming events and more.