Area girl featured in Desert Stages’ latest production of ‘Grease’

By Laura Kerrigan 

It was in the spring of 1971 that creators Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey tried out their then-named Grease Lightning as an amateur production in an out-of-the-way Chicago theater called the Kingston Mines. 

Neither could predict that this humble beginning would lead to an 8-year run on Broadway, a smash hit-film version and a popular Broadway revival. 

Desert Stages Artistic Director Gerry Cullity directs nearly 180 cool kids and teens from across the Valley in this latest feast of ‘50s nostalgia that sizzles with well-oiled tunes like Summer Nights, Beauty School Drop Out and Greased Lightnin’.

The high-octane musical plays at Desert Stages Children’s Theatre through March  28. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 1 and 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays.

Eleven-year-old Elizabeth Chamberlain, a Kyrene Corridor resident, is part of the ensemble. A sixth grader at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel school, Elizabeth appears in both Saturday and Sunday performances.

Tickets are $12. Information and reservations: (480) 483-1664. Desert Stages Theatre is at 8473 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale.

(back)