GREASE
With special arrangement from Concord Theatricals
Welcome to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center!
Please silence your cell phones.
This performance will have a 15 minute intermission.
Produced with the generous support of
Musical Numbers
ACT I
"Grease is the Word"- Company
"Rydell Alma Mater"- Company
"Rydell Alma Mater Parody"- Company
"Summer Nights"- Sandy and Danny and Company
"Those Magic Changes"- Doody and Company
"Freddy, My Love"- Marty and the Pink Ladies
"Greased Lightining"- Kenickie and Burger Palace Boys
"Rydell Fight Song"- Patty, Sandy, and Cheerleader
"Mooning"- Roger and Jan
"Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee"- Rizzo
"We Go Together"- Company
ACT II
"Shakin’ at the High School Hop"- Company
"It’s Raining on Prom Night"- Sandy and Radio Voice
"Shakin’ at the High School Hop Reprise"- Company
"Born to Hand-Jive"- Johnny Casino and Company
"Hopelessly Devoted to You"- Sandy and Company
"Beauty School Dropout"- Teen Angel and Choir
"Alone at the Drive-in Movie"- Danny
"Rock N Roll Party Queen"- Doody and Roger
"There are Worse Things I Could Do"- Rizzo
"Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee Reprise"- Sandy
"You’re the One That I Want"- Danny, Sandy, Company
"We Go Together"- Company
Suzanne Bainbridge: Miss Lynch
I am so excited to be playing the role of Ms. Lynch in the Grease production! It has been many years since I have been in theater. I love the combination of music, dance, and dialogue that musical theater provides.
I relish the energy, camaraderie, and excitement of the cast and crew! I so appreciate the loving support of family and friends as I embark on a new adventure.
Thank you for this opportunity to be in this fun production🥳
Olivia Carr: Sandy
Olivia is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast! Hopelessly devoted to NTP, this is her 9th production with the company. Some of her favorites include "Snoopy" (Sally Brown), "Violet" (Young Violet), and mentoring for the Penguin Project. Most recently, she was Cinderella in DeArmon CAST's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," and is looking forward to being in “ The Crucible" with Thinktank in the fall. In addition, Liv enjoys choreographing (SpongeBob, Snoopy, Polka Dots) and owns her own music business (Kodachrome) where she can be heard performing in local kava bars and coffee shops, or singing the national Anthem for balls or sports events. She wants to thank Nora, Frank, Leiann Klein, and Tami Carr(for blasting us back to the past with such an amazing set), Katy Decker, her brother Sean (for playing bass), Stan the music man (for playing guitar), Kit Kat (for growing her nephew and helping backstage), and her boyfriend Kyle (for assisting painting the set, as well as running their business Kodachrome during tech week).
Mia De Choudens: Ensemble
Mia is a senior at Wharton High School and a member of Wharton Theater Co. She has played Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods”, Matilda in “Matilda the Musical”, Chiffon in “Little Shop of Horrors”, and Gretchen Weinners in “Mean Girls: The Musical”. She volunteered as a mentor in Penguin Project for “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Mia Alejandra is very excited to be part of the New Tampa Players.
Dylan Fidler: Danny
Dylan is thrilled to make his New Tampa Players debut as Danny Zuko in Grease! While a newbie to the NTP stage, Dylan has been in many performances throughout the Tampa Bay area, including (but not limited to) Carrollwood Players’ Cabaret, Wedding Singer, and Moon Over Buffalo. Most recently, he could be seen onstage as Prince Topher in Stage West’s Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Dylan has received much support and love from his family, friends, fellow cast and crew, and his lovely girlfriend Rowan. He truly cannot thank them enough!
Michael Figueroa: Sonny
Michael Figueroa is making his debut at NTP as the Italian greaser Sonny Latierri. His love for theatre began late in his high school. Previous roles include Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), John Proctor (The Crucible), and Fred (A Christmas Carol). Michael would like to thank his brother for pushing him to pursue his passions and the whole cast for all the amazing work they have put forth. He hopes you enjoy this high school hop into the 50’s!
Kyle Fisher: Kenickie
This is Kyle's third show on the NTP stage. However, he is no stranger to show business. In roles such as Robbie Heart in The Wedding Singer and Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Kyle has a true passion for performing. Beginning with his debut performance as Jonny Warner in Zombie Prom in the fall of 2022. Then in spring of 2023 celebrating the grand opening of the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. With his performance of Grease Lighting. In addition to theater, Kyle enjoys writing music, spending time with friends and family, and playing piano. Kyle would like to thank the production team for this amazing opportunity.
Alyson Gannon: Rizzo
Alyson is elated to be back on stage after moving down from New York. Some of her recent credits include Maggie (A Chorus Line), Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), and Wendla Bergman (Spring Awakening). She would like to thank her mom, dad, brother and sisters for all their support. Shout out to the Grease creative team and cast for all their hard work! Xo.
Cassidy Haberland: Patty
Cassidy Haberland (Patty) is a twenty year old Psychology student at USF. She’s been in theater since she was five, and is thrilled to be playing Patty Simcox in this production of Grease. Moved up to the role of Patty in the last half of the rehearsal process, it’s been an interesting challenge for her to test her skills, but a fun one nonetheless. Some of her previous favorite roles include Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Hannah in Newsies, Leanne in Puffs, and Miep in Anne Frank. She wants to thank NTP, Norah, Kristin, Sarah, Frank, the production team, and everyone who helped with this show. And YOU for coming to see it!!
Dakota Henry: Ensemble
Dakota Sage Henry is thrilled to be a part of the New Tampa Players production of Grease playing various characters in the ensemble. She was introduced to New Tampa players last year when playing Peppermint Patty and knew she wanted to be immersed in their group. Dakota is honored to be on stage with such talented actors and actresses. Dakota has been involved in musical theatre since she is 5 years old. She has played a variety of roles such as Amaryllis in Music Man, Frumah Sara in Fiddler on the Roof, Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Iago in Aladdin, Macavity and Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat in CATS, a Bowery Beauty in Newsies and the ensemble in Les Miserables. Dakota hopes to continue to grow in her craft. In addition to theatre Dakota is an active member and officer in FFA and 4H, loves to dance and is in the Cambridge Program in High School.
Anna Jeffries: Jan
Anna Jeffries is a Junior studying Musical Theater and Political Science. Anna previously played Ellie in Leader of the Pack and Little Becky in Urinetown at the University of Tampa, Rona in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Tanya in Mamma Mia!, and Patty in Grease. Anna has also been featured in “Seek a Life Useful” and “From Godspell to Wicked” cabaret performances at UT. Anna is so excited to work with everyone this summer and is so proud of this amazing cast and crew!
Trevor Lloyd: Johnny Casino/Teen Angel
Trevor Lloyd has a passion for music and singing and always finds the time for stage performance – no matter how brief. He has been performing with New Tampa Players since 2016 when the company was still at the University Area Community Center in productions like Beauty & the Beast (D’Arque) and Into the Woods (Jack). He was recognized as “Best Male Supporting Actor” at The New Tampa Player’s performance of Snapshots during the Florida Thespian Competition. Notable roles include Lord Farquaad (Shrek), Curly (Oklahoma) and Nostradamus (Something Rotten!).
Gary Nager: Vince Fontaine
Although he is making his debut for the New Tampa Players in "Grease," Gary has been performing since he was six years old and has been attending Broadway shows his entire life — including having seen "Grease" on Broadway at least ten times! He grew up in Long Island, NY, and even performed as Teen Angel and Johnny Casino in a summer camp production of "Grease" 50 years ago!
Gary sings mostly karaoke these days and has done standup comedy at the Tampa Improv and both Side Splitters locations in the Tampa Bay area. Since 1994, he has primarily been known for being the owner, publisher and editor of the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. With his degree in Broadcast News from the University of Florida, Gary also has successfully added online videos on the "Neighborhood News" Facebook page, at "NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net" and "Neighborhood News Online" YouTube channel. He also has written an as-yet unproduced screenplay about his family's motel business in Queens, NY.
Gary has been happily married to his new Sales & Marketing Director Jannah since 2019 and their blended family includes five children and six grandchildren.
Michael Neary: Ensemble
This is Michael’s second musical since The Addams Family in 2017, and he is happy to be back on stage. Michael is originally from the Baltimore area and moved down to Tampa for a nice change of scenery. Enjoy the show!
Chelsea Orvis: Ensemble
Chelsea is so excited to return to the stage in Grease with NTP! Chelsea has been performing in community theatre for 10 years! She has a background in vocal performance and has been singing since elementary school. Chelsea is a Disney nerd and really enjoys going to the parks! Her favorite credits include, Sally Brown (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Sour Kangaroo (Suessical the Musical), and Sister Hubert (Nunsense). Thank you so much for supporting Grease and NTP!
Tripp Peavyhouse: Roger
Tripp is absolutely tickled pink to be a part of this production. In the past he has played Ms. Trunchbull in Matilda, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. He wants to thank his family and Got2be glued for supporting him and his hair.
Makayla Raines: ChaCha
This is Makayla's third production with NTP. She would like to thank the whole cast and production team for their dedication and time spent on making this show a success. When it comes to performing Makayla is no stranger to the stage. She has been performing since she was three years old. She enjoys acting, singing, playing piano, listening to Disney music, teaching, painting, and hanging out with her friends and family.She has been cast in several roles including Annie in Annie, Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan, Mrs. Mayor in Seussical, and Fiona in Shrek the Musical. She has a huge heart for musical theater and always goes above and beyond for every show she's a part of. She is currently a Behavioral Technician and wants to one day open her own theater company.
Heather Rich: Marty
Heather Rich is a recent graduate from the University of Tampa with a B.A in Psychology and a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. She is excited to perform with New Tampa Players for her second time, having recently played Toffee in Zombie Prom. Past Credits include: Mamma Mia (Rosie), Runaways (Mex Mongo), Gypsy (Baby June/ Pastey), and Pippin (Dance Captain/Fastrada Understudy). She has also received a National Youth Artist Award for her featured role as The Witch in Big Fish. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the cast and crew for their support and hopes everyone enjoys Grease!
Zane Sanrsour: Ensemble
Zane is thrilled to join the ensemble of Grease. This is his first show and wants to one day get to Broadway. By day he goes to school and works in his family business. His hobbies are singing
and acting. He also loves traveling with friends and family. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support and thank the cast and crew of New Tampa Players for this opportunity.
Wesley Santana: Ensemble
Having been in musicals such as Seussical and Curtains in his highschool years, Wesley Santana is extremely excited to be making his community theater debut with the New Tampa Players. This is his first production since before COVID-19, so he's raring to go onstage and give his all as an Ensemble member. He would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him and pushing him this far.
Amanda Schapiro: Ensemble
Amanda is excited to be part of this production of Grease. Some of previous works include Penguin Project’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., Snoopy, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Sister Act. She also participates in tap dancing with Dance Quest International and co-directing with Tampa Bay Family Theater. While Amanda is not involved with the arts, she teaches high school math and sponsors drama club at Bell Creek Academy. She would like to thank her friends and family for the support. Hope you enjoy the show!!
Zach Smith: Eugene
Zachary Smith is very excited to be in his second show with New Tampa Players, having played Ernie Mac & Others in PUFFs the year before. His other notable roles include Benjamin Coffin III in Rent and Lieutenant Frank Cioffi in Curtains and is now honored to add Eugene Florcyck to that list. He is grateful to be surrounded by family and friends who always push him to give 100% no matter what.
Ariyonna Thomas: Frenchy
Ariyonna Thomas is proud to be debuting in her home state of Florida after starting her career in Philadelphia. Her recent roles include The Mayor (SpongeBob the Musical), Mrs. Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), and Queen Hermione (The Winters Tale). She wants to thank her family for their support.
Jake Veit: Doody
This is Jake’s first show with New Tampa Players and is beyond thrilled to be a part of it. He has had a blast putting together this amazing show with this amazing cast and appreciated their support immensely. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoyed being a part of it. He also wants to thank his family, his friends, and Kyndall, for their unending support.
G. Frank Meekins: Direction and Musical Direction
Originally from Boston, Frank moved to Tampa in 1998 and since that time has worked with many local high school and community theatre groups throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. He musically directed NTP’s first production, They’re Playing Our Song, in addition to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Music Man, Camelot, Annie, Pippin, She Loves Me, Beauty and the Beast, Addams Family, Legally Blonde, Annie, and Little Mermaid, He directed and musically directed NTP’s productions of A Grand Night for Singing – Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical Revue, The Sound of Music, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Mary Poppins, Into The Woods, Quilt, Snapshots, and Snoopy. Recently, he directed NTP’s 2021 production of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later. Involved in all aspects of musical theatre from set design and construction to lighting design and execution, from stage management to directing and musically directing, Frank has participated in over 375 productions throughout New England and Tampa Bay including A Chorus Line, Les Miserables, Chicago, Urinetown, Honk, Mame, Hello Dolly, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, The Boyfriend, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All Shook Up, Perfectly Frank, Anything Goes, Caba-ret, Gypsy, Tommy, La Cage aux Folles, Rag-time, Little Shop of Horrors, Baby, Damn Yankees, Fiddler on the Roof, Godspell, Into the Woods, I Do – I Do, Jane Eyre, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Evita, Where’s Charley, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mat-tress, Carousel, Big River, Footloose, Pirates of Penzance, South Pacific, Whoopee, Bells are Ring-ing, Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, Cabaret, Nun-sense, My Fair Lady, Oliver, No No Nanette, Sweet Charity, Brigadoon, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Legally Blonde as well as the operas Carmen, Turandot, and Die Fledermaus. Frank often participates in various events with the Florida State Thespians. He would like to thank his spouse of 23 years, Tim Huff, for all his support.
Sarah Walston: Choreographer
Sarah Walston is a professional dancer and choreographer based out of Tampa, FL. She is the Artistic Director and Founder of ATLAS Modern Ballet, a new professional performance company serving the Tampa community. Sarah graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of South Florida in 2015. At the University of South Florida, she had the privilege of working with and performing works by choreographers such as Alonzo King, Maurice Causey, Robert Moses and Jennifer Archibald among many other guests and faculty members. After graduating from USF, she spent five seasons as a company member at Florida Dance Theatre where she performed and created new repertory presented by the company in Lakeland, FL and on tour. At FDT she performed principal roles in original narrative ballets and The Nutcracker, as well as in contemporary works by company directors and guests such as Jerry Opdenaker and Gregory Dolbashian. Following her time at FDT, Sarah was a member of Tampa City Ballet for two seasons as a performer, guest choreographer, and company class instructor. Sarah’s choreography has been presented in multiple festivals across the United States and internationally. She has choreographed for Florida Southern College and Hillsborough Community College's Dance Departments, where she is Adjunct Ballet and Modern Faculty. Sarah graduated Summa Cum Laude in the Spring of 2022 from Jacksonville University with her MFA in Choreography.
Production Team
Direction: G. Frank Meekins
Musical Direction: G. Frank Meekins
Choreography: Sarah Walston
Rehearsal Accompanist: Rick Barclay
Production Manager: Nora Paine
Assistant Stage Managers: Emily Buonaquisti, Kristin Nelson, and Mark Weisenmiller
Props: Tami Carr
Lighting Design: Keith Eisenstadt
Lighting Technican: Sebastian Paine
Sound: John Camacho
Set Construction: Paul McColgan
Scenic Artist: Leiann Klein, Kyle Billington, Tami Carr, Olivia Carr,
Dakota Henry, Joshua Paine
Costumes: Shelley Giles and Heather Cleveland
Program: Diana Diaz
Orchestra
Keyboard: G. Frank Meekins
Saxophone: Josh Hollenbeck
Saxophone: Elliott Domagola
Guitar: Stan Martindale
Bass Guitar: Sean Carr
Drums: Todd DuPriest
A Note from the Director
Grease is the WORD! For many, their first experience of Grease is the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, with favorite songs, "Grease", "Grease Lightning", and "You're the One I Want". Over the years, there have been many different versions of Grease of stage, each a little different from each other.
We are so excited to bring the New Tampa community this production of Grease in the brand-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Thank you to Keith Arsenault and his amazing team for your warm welcome and hard work.
Thank you to our cast, crew, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past 10 weeks to create the world of Rydell High. Grease is a challenging production and our cast and crew have risen to the challenge.
Thank you to our choreographer, Sarah Walston for sharing your creativity and attention to detail to each musical number. Thank you to our awesome stage management team who kept every blocking and choreography note. Thank you to Shelley and Heather for your teamwork and vision in bringing the 1950's to our stage. Thank you to Tami Carr and Leiann Klein for work with every little detail on the set and props from realistic fake food to the posters one the walls.
Thank you to John Camacho, Blaise Paine, Keith Eisenstadt, and Sebastian Paine for your work on sound and lights.
Thank you to our entire crew who are keeping our backstage running smoothly with set changes and the dozens of costume changes-- who knew creating the 1950's required a team of 20 backstage!
Thank you to my spouse, Tim Huff, for his never-ending love and support.
Last, but not least, thank you to you, the audience for your support of our cast and crew and New Tampa Players!
Enjoy Grease!
-G. Frank Meekins
Dan Chesnicka and Theater Winter Haven
Keith Arsenault and the entire New Tampa Performing Arts Center Staff
DeArmon CAST
Picture This Photography of Palma Ceia
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