SUNY Geneseos’ Grease opening night review

Photo courtesy of Geneseo.edu

I was lucky enough to attend the SUNY Geneseo’s theatre department's rendition of Grease (1979) on opening night, Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Alice Austin Theatre. If you couldn’t attend, no worries; I will share my thoughts on the show.

James Theodore Cortes (Danny Zuko) is a sophomore double major in voice performance and mathematics, and the only thing more impressive than Cortes’s comedic timing—and spot-on Travolta laugh—was his even more remarkable singing voice. Cortes shined immediately with “Summer Nights” and kept the energy roaring throughout the entire show.

Shayda Ramsammy (Sandy Dumbrowski), a senior at Geneseo, played an incredible lead. Ramsammy certainly gave the iconic Sandra D. a new life on stage—her extraordinary voice was just the cherry on top of this beautiful performance.

A senior musical theatre major, Kelsey Madison (Betty Rizzo), played an excellent Rizzo. She showed no struggle keeping up with Rizzo's quick wit and humor in “Look at Me, I’m Sandra D;” She also showcased the character’s softer side in her performance of “There are Worse Things I Could Do.” All around, it was an iconic portal of the very iconic Rizzo.

Robbie Beirne (Kenickie) is a senior musical theatre major. What sold me on his Kenickie was his excellent dancing; he was—in my opinion—by far the best dancer on the stage, and he was able to showcase that talent in “Grease Lightning.” His skills shined dancing in that 1950s car set—one of the most impressive set pieces of the show.  

Jacquelyn Conlon (Marty) is a second-year musical theatre and communication student. Her performance as Marty was impeccable. Her perfect timing and beautiful costume stole the audience's attention in every scene. Then, she sealed the deal by singing “Freddy, My Love”—her voice was stunning.

Gabriel Lindsay (Doody), a freshman musical theatre major at Geneseo, beautifully played the boyish, innocent role. I was, however, absolutely obsessed with his performance of “Those Magic Changes,” one of my all-time favorite songs in this iconic musical’s lineup. His incredible voice and acting made me fall in love with this character.

Andrew Bellotti (Sonny Latierri), a junior musical theatre and political science major, stood out as one of the funniest people on stage. No matter what scene, I constantly found myself waiting for what he would do next. Lily Strattman (Frenchy), a freshman majoring in musical theater, also gave an incredible performance, nailing the Frenchy voice and humor.

Angel Gabriel Henriquez (Roger), a freshman marketing major at SUNY Geneseo, and Hannah Lieberman (Jan), a junior vocal performance major with a minor in mathematics, both shined as comedic relief throughout the night. Henriquez and Lieberman, however, stunned me in “Mooning” and had me legitimately laughing out loud.

Lauren Daniels (Patty Simcox), a senior musical theater major, and Sean Kuder (Eugene Florczyk), a sophomore majoring in musical theatre, did wonderfully keeping the audience invested in the high school students outside of the core 10. 

Jack Marra (Teen Angel/Ensemble) is a first-year musical theatre major at SUNY Geneseo. His entrance for “Beauty School Dropout” was one of the most fabulous points in the show. The all-white suit and white fur costume were stunning and exactly what I sought in the Teen Angel. It all came together when Marra began to sing. His hilarious facial expressions made me want to go back and watch it again. 

Bradley Adams (Johnny Casino/Ensemble), a senior at SUNY Geneseo, emerged from the ensemble and sang—in my opinion—one of the show's best numbers. Not only did Adams sound incredible singing “Born to Hand-Jive,” but the entire cast brought 110 percent to this number, with astonishing dancing and beautiful costuming. Joshua Hemmings (Vince Fontaine/Ensemble) truly has a voice made for radio; his magnificent energy brought Vince Fontaine to life, and he shined throughout the musical’s prom night.

“Born to Hand-Jive” also introduced us to Emma Battaglia (Cha-Cha/Ensemble), a junior special education major who did a great job as Cha-Cha. Battaglia played a character that usually makes the audience wish to leave the stage by playing an overly loud and obnoxious character—if played correctly. While Battaglia crushed this role, she also turned everything around, breaking everyone's hearts with her painful goodbye at the dance.   

The musical’s ensemble was comprised of Sophie Vanstrom, Natalie McKenzie, Jena Balzano, Jonathan Swannie, Frank Stephenson, Beau Stephenson, Rebecca San George, Angelina Nelson, Maxwell Hall, Joanna DeJesus, and Adam Arco. My last comment on this number is that I must address my favorite set piece of the show, the prom directions that dropped down to the stage. Bradley Adams's (Johnny Casino) performance, the incredible core cast and ensemble, and the detailed set blended beautifully. This made me feel like I was in a gymnasium at a high school dance.  

Before the dance, Shayda Ramsammy (Sandy Dumbrowski) joined Sophie Vanstrom, Natalie McKenzie, and Jena Balzano (ensemble members), who created the trio in “It’s Raining on Prom Night.” This trio blended tremendously, and I loved the costumes each of them wore.

If you didn't get a chance to enjoy one of their several showings, I truly feel sorry for you. Opening night was absolutely fantastic, and I can not wait to see what the theater department does next—everyone involved should be incredibly proud!