GREASE

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

JIM JACOBS (Book, Music and Lyrics). Jacobs, who created Grease (in 1970) with Warren Casey, was born and raised on the mean streets of Chicago’s far northwest side. During the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll (1956-1960) he was a guitar-playing “greaser” student at Taft High School. In 1963, Jacobs met Warren Casey when they were both cast in a local theatre production of A Shot in the Dark. Seven years later they wrote what was to become one of the greatest musicals of all time. Grease opened in 1971 in a former trolley barn called the Kingston Mines Theatre in Chicago. A year later, Grease made it to Broadway and “Greasemania” took off, resulting in one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. The 1978 movie became and remains the highest grossing movie musical of all time. Originally an actor, Jacobs has been seen on television, in motion pictures, regional theatre, national tours, and on Broadway. He is the co-author of several other plays and musicals including Island of Lost Coeds, a musical spoof of the low budget sci-fi/horror/jungle movies of the 1950s, which he wrote with Warren Casey. In May 2014, Mr. Jacobs was presented with an honorary doctorate degree from Columbia College in Chicago. He currently resides in Southern California and remains active in the theatre, especially with the American Theatre Company of Chicago.

WARREN CASEY (Author, Composer and Lyricist) was born in Yonkers, New York, and attended Syracuse University. During the late ‘50s, he learned all about “greasers” while working as an art teacher in upstate New York. He moved to Chicago in 1962, where he hoped to pursue an acting career. He appeared in dozens of productions, including creating the role of Bernie Litko in David Mamet’s Sexual Perversity in Chicago. He supported himself with jobs in retail, including working as an assistant manager of a chain of apparel stores, and as a record salesman. In the meantime, he taught himself how to play the guitar and began writing songs. Mr. Casey acted with the Chicago Stage Guild (where he met Jim Jacobs), the Old Town Players, and the Kinston Mines Theatre. The latter company staged the original production of GREASE which he wrote with Jim Jacobs. After the incredible success of both the musical and the movie, the two collaborated on Island of Lost Coeds, a musical satire of the B-movies of the 1950s. Mr. Casey died in 1988.

Just over 40 years ago, Grease opened on Broadway. At that time, 1950’s nostalgia was not the “vogue.” In fact, American Graffiti, the movie that would bring about the surge in 50’s nostalgia would not be released for another year. In February 1972, Grease was a completely different kind of Broadway musical; combining early rock and roll music and dancing with true (for that era) high school student language and characters.

The themes of teenage love, friendship, rebellion, and pastimes make up the plot for Grease. The characters go through their senior school year at Rydell High trying to fit in, have fun and support each other through good times and not-so-good times. Ultimately, the kids learn that they need each other – because one thing that does last is friendship.

In 1978, Grease, was made into a very popular movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The movie made several changes from the play, notably renaming the Burger Palace Boys as the T-birds and putting several of the original songs in as background music. The movie also added songs and four of them is featured in Monessen’s production: “Grease is The Word,” “Hopelessly Devoted,” “Sandy” and “You’re the One That I Want.” The play does not feature a drag race as in it does in the movie, but Greased Lightning is one of the stars in every production of Grease. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions place Grease among the world's most popular musicals.

Movie Song Titles:

“GREASE” Words and Music by Barry Alan Gibb

(c) SONGS OF UNIVERSAL, INC. on behalf of CROMPTON SONGS (BMI) / 100% interest for the Territory. Not for broadcast transmission. All rights reserved. DO NOT DUPLICATE.

“Hopelessly Devoted To You” Written by John Farrar © 1978 Unichappell Music Inc. (BMI), Ensign Music Corporation (BMI) and John Farrar Music (BMI) All Rights Administered By Unichappell Music Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

“You’re The One That I Want” Written by John Farrar © 1978 Unichappell Music Inc. (BMI), Ensign Music Corporation (BMI) and John Farrar Music (BMI) All Rights Administered By Unichappell Music Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

“Sandy” Written by Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis © 1978 Ensign Music Corporation (BMI) All Rights Administered By Unichappell Music Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.