KMC Onstage presents musical ‘Grease’

Christine June, Story and photo
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern


***image1***The U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern KMC Onstage’s big musical of the year, “Grease,” opens 7:30 p.m. today with weekend performances to April 2.

“There are several surprises. We’ve got some technical surprises and dancing like you won’t believe,” said Sarah Bright, USAGK entertainment assistant and “Grease” choreographer, who portrays “Betty Rizzo.”

Based around the 1950’s high school subculture, the show opened on Broadway in 1972, and the film version was made in 1978 starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The revival production in New York began in 1994 and ran for four years.

“This is a show with staying power,” said Ms. Bright.

About 30 KMC members make up the cast singing songs audiences may remember like “Greased Lightnin’” and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee.”

The higher percentage of active duty cast members and stage crew that KMC Onstage enjoyed in its “Arsenic and Old Lace” production has continued with “Grease,” said Ms. Bright.

“And, that’s great because this is a program for the Soldiers and Airmen in our community,” she said. “And, the fact that they’re coming out and getting involved makes it a better program for us and them.”

One of those Soldiers is Sgt. Joel Abelson, USAGK Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers president, who has the male lead – Danny Zuko.

“I got a cool role. How can I not like that?” said Sergeant Abelson, who is in his second KMC Onstage production.

Although it’s been a lot of fun, Sergeant Abelson said it’s also been a lot of work.

“We’re here every night from 6 to 10 (p.m.) just rock-n-rollin’,” he said. “With BOSS, it’s been kind of tough because we do volunteer stuff on the weekends so I haven’t slept a whole lot.”

Performances are 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, March 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, and April 1, and 3 p.m. March 19 and April 2 at KMC Onstage, Bldg. 3232 on Kleber Kaserne. Tickets are available at the door and cost $10 for adults, $8 for students and $6 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call KMC Onstage at 483-6626 or 0631-411-6626 or e-mail kmconstage@yahoo.com.