If you heard the roar echoing through Covington last night, it wasn’t fireworks from the Reds across the river…it was the crackling energy of Grease at The Carnegie. A sold-out crowd was swept into a jukebox of nostalgia, each number brighter, louder, and more intoxicating than the last. Under the musical direction of Matthew Umphreys and director Eric Byrd, this familiar classic found fresh electricity, lit up by a talented cast and crew.
Leads in Grease Exceed Expectations
Making his Carnegie debut, Nick Abouzied (Danny Zuko) is all swagger and smooth vocals. It’s hard to believe he’s still a student at Oberlin…his presence is confident, his timing sharp, his charisma almost Elvis-like. He charms the audience to snap their fingers in time with him. He’s a talent destined to leave a lasting impression on Cincinnati’s stage scene.
Opposite him, Monique Churchill (Sandy Dumbrowski) delivers a performance that strikes every chord. Her transformation from wide-eyed ingénue to the powerhouse “Sandra Dee” is seamless. Her voice never faltering, her stature small but her presence is mighty. She continues to prove herself a Carnegie favorite, hitting all the high notes with grace and a little grit.
Pink Ladies and T-Birds are Ahead of the Class
The Pink Ladies each shine in their own spotlight. Grace Baker gives Jan a sweet, playful innocence that makes the audience root for her Twinkie-loving charm. Marty, played with sultry assurance by Sydney Short, makes “Freddy My Love” a number worth swooning over. Annika Jonker’s Frenchy bubbles with warmth and comic timing, while Indya Lincicome’s Rizzo nearly steals the show. Her defiant, soul-baring “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” rattles the rafters, cementing her as one of the evening’s brightest stars. Costume designer Cat Schmeal-Swope and wig artist Missy White give the women their edge, straying from cliché poodle skirts in favor of looks that feel authentic and alive, yet still distinctly period.
The T-Birds, meanwhile, rev their engines and burn rubber with “Greased Lightning.” Their razor-sharp choreography which they deliver with infectious energy, has the audience ready to leap from their seats mid-show. Evan Blust’s Kenickie is all punch and power, matched by the lovable energy of Sonny, played by Carter Minor. Jack Haroutunian (Roger) and Anthony Contreras (Doody) showcase vocal range and charm, creating a gang that is less caricature and more magnetic.
Amazing Pit Crew
Choreographer and Director Eric Byrd deserves a standing ovation of his own. The hand jive, the iconic gestures, all the moves we’ve come to expect, are reimagined with pace and vitality, breathing new rhythm into old steps. Rarely do familiar dances feel this alive.
As with many Carnegie productions, a few sound hiccups surfaced. Mics that squeal or drop…but the tech team recover quickly, never letting the music stop. The pit, led with joyful precision by musical director Matthew Umphreys, keeps the show cruising. Watch him, half-lit behind the backdrop. You’ll see a proud conductor who knows he has a band that could rock around the clock.
Overall
Walking in, I wasn’t sure what new spin could be put on Grease. Like many, I’ve seen it countless times, often weighed down by its own nostalgia, slipping into tired tradition. This Carnegie production, however, is a high-octane revival that feels both reverent and refreshing. It’s cheeky, it’s bold, and while the hip thrusts may raise an eyebrow or two, most younger theatergoers will let those moments sail past.
Grab Tickets to Grease at the Carnegie
Grease runs at The Carnegie through August 24th…and trust me, this one hums like a finely tuned convertible. Go see it. You’ll leave electrified. Get tickets by clicking on the online box office, or by calling 859-957-1940.
