Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Poodle skirts, leather jackets, pompadours and high school romances are all a part of "Grease," the hit Broadway musical, which the Stephen F. Austin State University schools of theatre and music will present at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, through Saturday, Nov. 18, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

While Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's musical captures the "look" of the 1950s, it's actually a parody of the era, explained Alan Nielsen, SFA professor of theatre and the show's director. "The Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies 'appear' to be the dreaded juvenile delinquents from the era, but they don't quite pull it off."

Leader of the Burger Palace Boys is Danny Zuko, played by San Antonio junior Aaron McDaniel. Danny is always trying to look cool, but often ends up looking silly, explained McDaniel.

And Rizzo, one of the Pink Ladies, isn't as strong as she'd like everyone to believe, explained Tyler senior Katie Jones, the actress who portrays her. "She actually hides her insecurities underneath a fake toughness."

New to Rydell High School is "good girl" Sandy, played by Wylie junior Elizabeth Davis. The unlikely love interest between Sandy and Danny drives the plot.

The show, originally billed as 'a new 50s rock 'n' roll musical" is full of "the characteristic hiccups and doo-wops of early rock," said Nielsen. "And the show's lyrics poke fun at the hidden messages of '50s teenage balladry."

Notable among the musical's numbers are "Summer Nights," "We Go Together," "It's Raining on Prom Night," "Alone at a Drive-in Movie" and "Beauty School Dropout."

When the show first opened on Broadway in 1972, it was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Choreography.

The musical is a part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series and is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury of Nacogdoches.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. The production does include adult language. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.