By Afshin Razi
Fast cars, young love, and the energy of rock and roll make Grease at The Carnegie the lively must-see production of the summer. This staging captures the spirit of 1950s U.S. teenage life while adding a modern spark that makes the story feel fresh and alive for today’s audiences.
A Cast That Thrills From Start to Finish
The strength of this production lies in its cast, who radiate energy and commitment from the opening number to the final sing-along. The large ensemble brings their “A game” and deserves their flowers, but for the sake of brevity, here are a few highlights. Both Nick Abouzeid as Danny Zuko and Monique Churchill as Sandy shine, he with his confidence and charm, she with her sweetness and grounded presence. Evan Blust as Kenickie has so much charisma and stage presence, he could easily be the leading man in any show. Another standout is Indya Lincicome as Rizzo. She delivers a performance that is equal parts sharp humor and raw emotion, making Rizzo more than just the resident bad girl. Her rendition of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” lands with poignancy, revealing the layers beneath the bravado.
Ross Fogle’s Eugene is utterly endearing, a geeky, likable presence who steals moments without overplaying them. Making his Carnegie debut, Josh Galloway is a blast to watch as the slick but sleazy Vince Fontaine and the hilarious singing Teen Angel, delivering some of the biggest laughs from the audience. Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz lights up the stage as Cha-Cha, bringing fiery energy and scene-stealing flair to every moment she’s on. And lastly, Paige Davis as Miss Lynch brings a touch of celebrity to the stage, sure to delight fans familiar with her work on TV and Broadway.
From Stagecraft to Choreography: How Grease Keeps the Fun Rolling
Design elements deserve a spotlight, especially the car “Greased Lightning.” Cleverly used, it’s more than just a prop; it’s a central part of the storytelling, a vehicle for the characters’ teenage dreams. Bravo to designer Tyler Gabbard for creating scenery that’s fun, memorable, and perfectly in the spirit of the show.
Grease was written in 1971, with music, lyrics, and a book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Set in a fictional Chicago high school in 1959, the term “greasers” referred to working-class teens with slicked-back or pompadour hair styles who were into hotrods and motorcycles. The musical balances fun with substance by exploring serious themes these teens encountered–like pregnancy, heartbreak, and the fear of being judged a failure for not finishing school. While not heavily featured, they are present enough to give the story weight.
Eric Byrd, pulling double duty as director and choreographer, embraces this balance, crafting choreography that gives character interactions fresh energy, keeping the action lively and dynamic from start to finish. The inspired decision to end the show with a sing-along, fully involving the audience, demonstrates that the creative team understood how crucial it was to make the audience part of the fun. The crowd remained engaged and energetic making the finale feel like one big, joyous celebration.
Final Thoughts
Grease at The Carnegie is a joyful triumph, an energetic, big-hearted production that celebrates everything people love about this classic musical. This cast leaves nothing on the table, pouring talent and heart into every scene.
Whether you’re revisiting your teenage years, soaking up the nostalgia, or seeing Grease for the first time, this production is an absolute blast and not to be missed.
Tickets to Grease
Grease runs now through August 24, 2025 at The Carnegie in Covington. Grab your tickets and check showtimes by calling 859-957-1940 or online at https://thecarnegie.com/
RUNNING TIME: Approx. 2 hrs and 10 mins including a 20 minute intermission
