Meet the Director: Grease
Nancy Rich, Director
A native of Asheville, Nancy Rich attended Tanglewood Children's Theatre shows as a child, and later participated in Asheville Community Theatre productions, and UNC-Asheville summer stock musicals. Her first lead role in a musical was “Reno Sweeney” in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. Her first directing project was at Oxford University, in a student exchange program, where she directed The Importance of Being Earnest. Lately, she’s been directing and choreographing for local theatres including: Raleigh Little Theatre, Theatre In The Park, The Justice Theatre Project, Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, NRACT, and Cary Players.
What was your first experience with Grease?
“I’ve never seen Grease onstage but I saw the movie when it first came out in Charlotte, where I was living at the time. The movie theater had a great sound system, and I went back to see it again twice - because the music sounded so good!”
What excites you about directing this show?
“When I was asked if I’d be interested in directing Grease, I knew I liked the movie, so I was convinced that it’d be fun to do. But I really said ‘yes’ because I love working with Cary Players. Cary Arts Center's stage is perfect for musicals. Plus, I’m always excited to have a chance to work with Darylene Hecht, our Music Director. The production team for this show is top-notch. I couldn’t ask for a better team, a better venue, and a better cast.
Tell us more about your experience working with the show’s Musical Director, Darylene Hecht.
"Darylene and I have worked together on quite a few musicals over the years. We concentrate on different aspects. For example, at auditions, Darylene pays close attention to vocal range, vocal quality and vocal performance. Meanwhile, I’m looking for personality, strong choices and good timing. We work closely throughout, starting with early concepts, through auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Grease is definitely a great fit with Darylene’s love of rock and roll. And the band she’s put together will be spectacular!"
Do you have a funny moment from a rehearsal that you could share?
"We have so much fun at rehearsals, and there’s a lot of laughing. And cookies. If someone shows up for rehearsal a little down or tired from the day, the sheer joy of creative collaboration and fellowship can turn their day around. That is what makes community theatre so special."
Do you think Grease is relevant to a modern audience? If so, how?
"Just remembering what it was like to be a teenager, in any era, brings relevance to this story. And there’s nothing like the pure enjoyment of musical comedy performed live on stage with a live band and a live audience to remind us of the relevance of community and the performing arts."
For people only familiar with the movie Grease and not the stage show, what should they know coming in?
"The stage show came before the movie, and there are slight differences in the characters’ personalities and in the plot. In the movie, some of the original songs were taken out and replaced with other songs - probably to showcase Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. In the stage play, Sandy and Danny’s love story is definitely there. They perform ‘Summer Nights,’ and also perform a different duet called ‘All Choked Up’” which is delightful. In this production, we get to spend more time with the other characters, who have duets and solos that were cut from the movie. I would say the stage play fills out the story."
Is there anything that might surprise audience members about this production of Grease?
"Audience members who’ve only seen the movie, will experience twists and surprises. Those who have seen a stage production before will especially enjoy some early moments that are unique to this production that will energize, excite, and let them know they’re on a fun rollercoaster!”