FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Daniel J. Boyle, General Manager & Artistic Advisor |[email protected] | 925.210.0268

GREASE IS THE WORD THIS SPRING AS CONTRA COSTA MUSICAL PRESENTS ALL NEW PRODUCTION OF THE HIT 50s MUSICAL AT THE LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

COMPANY TO HOST SPECIAL “50’S FRIDAY’S” EVENTS— EVENINGS INCLUDE COSTUME NIGHTS & “SING-A-LONG CURTAIN CALLS”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT BEGINS MARCH 31

WALNUT CREEK, March 6, 2017 — Contra Costa (CCMT) will present the hit 50s rock-n-bop Broadway musical (March 31 through April 30, 2017) at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, and Danny Zuko, the school's coolest dude, had a secret summertime romance; but when they get back to school everything is different. The leader of the pack and his good-girl sweetheart must navigate the tricky high-school social waters in an attempt to rekindle their romance. In one of Broadway's longest running musicals, rip-roaring dance numbers and the soundtrack of a generation make this wonderful blast from the past a nostalgic must-see for grandparents, parents and younger fans alike. Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s all new production will incorporate songs made famous in both the Broadway and film versions, including “Summer Nights”, “You’re the One That I Want”, and the title song, “Grease.” With book, music, and lyrics by and Warren Casey, and featuring additional music by Barry Gibb and , Grease is already a hot-seller, with the company responding to high demand by announcing additional blocks of tickets made available for select performances. Press night will be held on Friday, March 31 and Saturday April 1, 2017. Single tickets (ranging from $45–$54, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups) are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, by phone at 925.943.7469, or online at www.LesherArtsCenter.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Audiences attending Friday performances are encouraged to don their best poodle skirts, leather jackets, and 50s garb for “50s Friday’s!” a celebration of all things 50s that will include a cast-lead / audience participatory “Sing- A-Long Curtain Call.” Friday audiences will vote from a selection of Grease’s biggest hits, and will be invited to get on their feet, show off their best hand-jive, and sing along with cast members in what is sure to be a party for everyone attending.

“There is no better time than the spring, as students and families are gearing up for the summer, to present Grease. We have a stellar creative team led by director Christina Lazo whose work has been seen throughout the Bay Area,” says Daniel J. Boyle, CCMT General Manager & Artistic Advisor. “And it seems audiences agree, as sales have already demanded we release additional blocks of seating for a handful of performances! We cannot wait to open at the Lesher later this month.”

Adds Executive Producer Dustin Riggs, “We are incredibly excited for our ‘50s Friday’s’ events, and are looking forward to seeing some great costumes at the theater! Additionally, this is first time we’ve added a post-show sing-a-long—it’s a great opportunity for cast and audience members to get their Grease groove on!”

CCMT’s production of Grease will be helmed by director / choreographer Christina Lazo, with musical direction by Cary Litchford. The ensemble cast features Chris Aceves, Catherine Bartomeo, Massimo Cardarelli, Christine Curulla, Cathrine Delos Santos, Andrea Dennison-Laufer, Max DeSantis, Michael Doppe*, Jenna Harris, Matt Haupert, Katie Iannitello, Mary Kalita, Ali Lane, Dominic Lessa, Patrick Marvilla, Melissa Momboisse, , Nikki Nickerson, Caedon Perriman, Briel Pomerantz, Joren Reyes, Conrad Rocha, Joel Roster, Daniel Rubio, Claire Shephard, Shelby Stewart, Bob Stratton, Taylor Sundstrom, Elecia Tyson, Diella Wottrich, Minseob Yeom.

About Contra Costa Musical Theatre: Based in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Musical Theatre has a fifty-five year history of producing dynamic musical productions and providing a home to both local and national talent. Winner of more Shellie Awards for musicals than any other regional company, CCMT moved to the Lesher Center for the Arts in 1990, and has produced more than 40 full-scale musical productions, including the East Bay Premieres of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Urinetown, the Musical, The Full Monty, RENT, Titanic, the Musical, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, Tarzan and Les Miserables.

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FACT SHEET FOR GREASE

WHAT: Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, and Danny Zuko, the school’s coolest dude, have a secret summertime romance – but when they get back to school, everything is different. The leader of the pack and his bobby-sox sweetheart must navigate the tricky high school social waters in an attempt to rekindle their romance. In one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, rip-roaring dance numbers and the soundtrack of a generation make this wonderful blast from the past a nostalgic must-see for grandparents, parents and younger fans who continue to enjoy the popular film and television versions.

WHO: Books, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey Additional music by Barry Gibb and John Farrar Directed by Christina Lazo

CAST (in alphabetical order): Chris Aceves, Catherine Bartomeo, Massimo Cardarelli, Christine Curulla, Cathrine Delos Santos, Andrea Dennison- Laufer, Max DeSantis, Michael Doppe*, Jenna Harris, Matt Haupert, Katie Iannitello, Mary Kalita, Ali Lane, Dominic Lessa, Patrick Marvilla, Melissa Momboisse, , Nikki Nickerson, Caedon Perriman, Briel Pomerantz, Joren Reyes, Conrad Rocha, Joel Roster, Daniel Rubio, Claire Shephard, Shelby Stewart, Bob Stratton, Taylor Sundstrom, Elecia Tyson, Diella Wottrich, Minseob Yeom.

CREATIVE TEAM: Christina Lazo (Director / Choreography), Cary Litchford (Musical Direction), Kelly James Tighe (Set Designer), Liz Martin (Costume Designer), Michael Berg (Wig Designer), Michael Oesch (Lighting Designer), and Some More Sound (Sound Designer).

WHERE: Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA

WHEN: March 31–April 30, 2017 Press Night: Friday, March 31 and Saturday April 1, 2017

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. Select Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS: 50’s Friday’s—all Friday evening performances throughout the run. Audience members can bop back to the 50s by coming to the theatre in their best 50s styled clothing and hairdos. Additionally, following these performances, members of the cast and orchestra will lead a special sing-a-long with audience members voting on the song of choice for the evening! There are no added fees for 50s Fridays events.

TICKETS: $45–$54 Ticket prices are subject to change without notice

TIX & INFO: 925.943.7469 |www.ccmt.org

PRESS: Daniel J. Boyle, General Manager & Artistic Advisor |[email protected] | 925.210.0268