(Hollywood Press Corps) — New York City, New York — Last Tuesday, on March 11th, The Town Hall hosted a star-studded benefit concert for one night only: Vape! The Grease Parody. The comedic musical extravaganza delighted audiences while supporting a worthy cause at the iconic venue located at 123 W. 43rd Street, NYC.
The evening featured a remarkable cast, including Rachel Dratch, known for her iconic work on Saturday Night Live and Broadway’s POTUS, who took on the role of Teen Angel. Amy Spanger, recognized for her performances in Rock Of Ages, Chicago, and The Wedding Singer, portrayed Marty. Joining them were previously announced Tony Award nominee Kerry Butler (Hairspray, Xanadu, Catch Me If You Can) as Sandy; James Carpinello (Saturday Night Fever, Xanadu, Rock of Ages) as Danny; Ann Harada (Schmigadoon, Avenue Q) as Jan; Emmy Award nominee Jackie Hoffman (TV’s Feud: Bette and Joan, Hairspray, The Addams Family, On The Town) as Rizzo; Aisha Jackson (The Notebook, Once Upon a One More Time) as Frenchie; Joel Perez (Fun Home, Sweet Charity) as Kenickie; and Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud, Back To The Future) as Sonny. The night was hosted by Seth Rudetsky, a beloved figure in the theater community known for his roles in Disaster! and The Ritz, as well as his work on SiriusXM Radio.
Directed by Jack Plotnick, whose credits include Disaster! and Space Station 76, Vape! was produced by Sketchworks Comedy and Visceral Entertainment, with creative consulting from Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson.
Vape! is a humorous tribute to the iconic musical Grease, cleverly lampooning its memorable moments, sexual innuendos, and outrageous characters while offering a satirical perspective on contemporary youth culture. The musical is the brainchild of Catie Hogan and Sketchworks Comedy, with lyrics and additional book by Billy Recce (A Musical About Star Wars; FIVE: The Musical Parody, Fowl Play) and Danny Salles (TV’s Joan and Melissa, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List).
Originally premiering in Atlanta in 2018, Vape! faced challenges leading up to its NYC debut, which had been planned for August 2019 at Improv Asylum. Just ten days prior to the opening, the rightsholders of Grease issued a cease-and-desist letter, claiming the parody infringed upon their copyright. In response, Sketchworks Comedy filed a lawsuit, asserting their protection under fair use law. After a two-and-a-half year legal battle, the Southern District of New York ruled in favor of Vape!, affirming its status as a parody.
The production featured Music Supervision and Arrangements by Lena Gabrielle, with Costume & Props Design by Brendan McCann, Lighting Design by Jamie Roderick, and Sound Design by Shannon Slaton. General Management was handled by Visceral Entertainment, and Krystal Chiucchini served as the Production Stage Manager.
Net proceeds from Vape! The Grease Parody will benefit the Entertainment Community Fund, formerly known as The Actors Fund. This national organization addresses the unique needs of performing arts and entertainment professionals, providing essential services focused on health and wellness, career support, and housing. Since its inception in 1882, the Fund has strived to ensure stability and resilience for those who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our nation. To learn more, visit entertainmentcommunity.org.
The one-night-only event was a resounding success, leaving attendees in stitches and showcasing the incredible talent within the theater community. From the lively performances to the witty dialogue, Vape! provided a fresh and entertaining twist on a beloved classic. Audiences were treated to a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of creativity, reaffirming the importance of live theater as a vital part of our cultural landscape.
If you missed this unforgettable performance, keep an eye out for future productions that capture the spirit and ingenuity of the theater world. With events like Vape!, the passion and dedication of performers continue to shine brightly in New York City.
