Photo courtesy of Theater Works
Theater Works is set to launch its 2024-25 Mainstage season with the iconic musical “Grease,” running from July 12 through July 28, at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
Audiences will be transported back to 1950s Rydell High, experiencing the classic friendships, romances, and adventures of high school life. The production features a talented and diverse cast under the direction of Chanel Bragg, with choreography by Cydney Trent and musical direction by Ken Goodenberger.
One of the special events planned around the production is a Sock Hop night on July 20 before the 7:30 p.m. performance. Patrons are encouraged to dress in vintage 1950s attire for an evening starting at 6 p.m., featuring prizes for best dressed, themed cocktails, exclusive merchandise, and classic cars on display for photo opportunities.
“The magic of Grease lies in its universality,” says Bragg. “I anticipate our audiences will bring their own personal connections to the material—whether they’ve watched the iconic movie, performed the show in high school, or belted out ‘Summer Nights’ at a local karaoke joint. My job as the director is to honor these diverse expectations while reimagining the material in a fresh and authentic way. It’s a privilege to showcase the Valley’s most promising talent while telling a story of romance, rebellion, community, and above all, joy.”
Theater Works welcomes back several familiar faces, including Tennille Rivera as Ms. Lynch and her daughter Tawny Audi as Marty, who have previously appeared together in productions like “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Something Rotten.” This will likely be their last joint performance as Audi moves to New York City to pursue a professional theater career.
Newcomers to the Theater Works stage include Beaux Mali as Sandy, a senior at Arizona State University double majoring in Social Justice & Human Rights and Music Theater Performance, and Justin Carey as Danny, who recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theatre Performance from ASU.
Theater Works is located at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., in Peoria.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.theaterworks.org.
