“Vape: the Grease Parody”

**1/2 “Grease” is a Chicago product! It started here and was about a Chicago high school, not one in California, but through the years, it has become known as Rydell and it all happens (or should I say, happened) in California. I am pretty sure that every area theater and probably high school has done this play, and so, “Why do a parody?” First, let’s go over the definition of a parody. Most people think of it as a spoof. We have had some great success stories such as “Forbidden Broadway,” and about twn years ago, “Hamilton” was treated to a parody. Now, under the leadership of Sketchworks Comedy, we have “Vape-The Grease Parody” written by Catie Hogan with Leanna Adams, John D. Babcock III, Casey Holloway, Julie Shaer and Brian Troxell. The lyrics ( changes) are by Billy Recce and Danny Salles, who also participated in some additions or shall we say changes in the book. As they say, “It takes a village!”

The show is roughly 90 minutes of fun and spoofing the actual story of these greasers and looking at each character in a whole new light. There are some very cute bits, and some very talented performers who appear to be having as much fun as the audience. The opening audience was composed of some very young members ( let’s say in their 30’s) as we as a few of us elders ( who lived during the times that “Grease” is about.

The cast is small ( eight people), but quite mighty. I was impressed with both Will Leonard (Danny) and Jenna Smith (Sandy) and found them as credible as Travolta and Newton-John. I also was very impressed with Suzanne Sole and her Rizzo portrayal. She has a wonderful voice and plays off the audience well. Other than the two main characters, all of our performers handle more than one role. We get a bit of the positives in the play’s characters as well as some negatives. We also get a little Disney as somehow Sandy, who is found on a beach, may or may not be “The Little Mermaid”. Pay attention. It happens quickly, without warning.

The other cast members Shea Hopkins, Corey Barlow, Emma Dunlop, Mai Hartwich, and Sophia Brazda are all having a ball and making us laugh. I will say that if you are a “Grease” lover who doesn’t want to deviate from the original, this is not for you. But, if you are someone looking for a light and airy show, with lots of laughs and a fair ticket price, you will have a good time. The show is directed by  Jack Plotnick and the creative consultants who made this all happen are Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson.

I, for one, a non-smoker, am not as comfortable with the title and the fact that they talk about vaping and do it, but back then it was cigarettes, so don’t think about that. Think fun and a night away from the news items of the day. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, power outages, war, treaties, no-treaties and much more. You deserve a break from all that garbage and “Vape: the Grease Parody” is just that!

“Vape: the Grease Parody” will continue thru September 20th with performances as follows:

Thursdays and Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

BEGINNING on September 22nd, the schedule will be:

Tuesdays thru Fridays    7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

ADDED THURSDAY matinees will be on October 8th, 22nd, November 5th and 19th and December 3rd and 17th.

Ticket can be purchased at Apollo box office  773-935-6100 or online at www.vapethemusical.com

The Apollo Theater is located at 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue.

They have a small lot next door and street parking is available

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” Vape: The Grease Parody”.