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“Grease” has made its way to Tyler Civic Theatre Center for its annual summer musical. Opening night was Friday, July 19, and the show continues the next two weeks.

“It was important for us to do justice to the story of the movie, and also the Broadway show, but also kind of create some elements that really look well for the theater in the round stage setting,” Director Stephen Rainwater said. “Putting that together, we created something really cool. I think people are going to love it … there’s something for everybody.”

The story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson are portrayed by East Texas actors Nathan Hill and Eva Hamlet. The production features music from the movie as well as the Broadway version.

“This movie is so iconic,” said Rainwater. “We knew going into it there were certain things we would have to do. Because when people come to see ‘Grease,’ they expect certain things.”

Since the Broadway show came out in 1972 and the movie came out in 1978, Rainwater said it was a challenge to get rights for the show.

“When the movie came out they added songs for John Travolta and Olivia Newton John that were only in the movie and not the Broadway show. Going into this, we needed to secure the rights to those traditional songs because people know ‘Grease’ by that,” he said. “Being able to secure those rights, and being able to add those in really gives this show the best of both worlds of the Broadway show and also the movie.”

Songs such as “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You” are some of the famous songs that are featured in the summer musical. The cast even got a shout-out from the original Frenchy, actress Didi Conn.

“With this particular performance, this is just a great cast and crew that we’ve been working with for the last couple of months, this particular group of actors had so much fun together. They’re like a little family. My favorite part has been being able to work with these young actors and just have fun with them,” said producer Jennifer Orren.

Rainwater said there are 32 people in the show. The cast is made up mostly of teens and young adults.

“… All these people are volunteers, and they spent their summer and time to work on this show. When I directed ‘Footloose’ last year, it really showed me the seeds of what is truly possible and I really feel like ‘Grease’ is the icing on the cake to complete that two-part series, for me personally as a director. That’s very cathartic,” he said. “It’s really cool because we have some people in the show that we got to work with last year, and some brand new people as well. It’s a celebration of the talent we have in East Texas.”

Rainwater said this show is not an easy show to do.

“But we went in saying, ‘We’re going to make the best darn show we can’ for the community, and the end product I think you can’t help but smile whenever you see it,” he said.

“Grease” will continue at TCTC July 25-28 and Aug. 1-4, with afternoon and evening showings. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://tylercivictheatre.com.

If You Go

WHAT: Tyler Civic Theatre Center’s summer musical “Grease”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 25-27, 2:30 p.m. July 28; 8:30 p.m. Aug 1-3, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4

WHERE: Tyler Civic Theatre Center, 400 Rose Park Dr.

TICKETS: $15 to $35 by calling 903-592-0561 or visiting tylercivictheatre.com