Act Out Enrichment’s production of “Grease” opened at The Box Theater this week, filling the space with teen energy, diner chrome, and that familiar mix of swagger and vulnerability that keeps this musical alive across generations. Director Bethany Schultz’s note in the program sets the tone early, calling the film “a milestone in my musical theatre education,” and reminding audiences why these characters still resonate. She writes that Rizzo’s signature number reveals “the ‘why’ behind who she is” and proves that the kids who look the most put together are often “battling their own insecurities and uncertainties.” Her cast took that idea seriously, and it showed.

The performance led with Chloe Bowen as Betty Rizzo, who brought an immediacy to the role that carried the emotional weight of the night. Her version of Rizzo wasn’t softened or smoothed out. She leaned into the anger and sharpness, but kept the cracks visible just beneath it. That combination made her scenes feel lived-in, especially during “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” where the room settled and the character’s inner life became clearer.

Adam Travis delivered a confident and charismatic Danny Zuko, giving him enough bluster to feel familiar while never losing the goofy, earnest teenager underneath. His chemistry with the cast around him anchored the bigger ensemble moments, and his “Sandy” reprise landed cleanly. In the program, Travis credits his family, friends, and vocal assistants for supporting his growth. It showed in how consistently he held the stage.

Emre Tuncel, as Kenickie, brought one of the strongest surprises of the evening. Coming off roles like Charlie Brown and Nemo, he shifted into a full greaser persona with ease. Kenickie requires rough edges and bravado, and he shaped them without letting the character slide into caricature. Watching him transition from past bright-eyed roles into this tougher, swaggering character made his performance especially compelling. His work in “Greased Lightnin’” stood out as a turning point in the show’s energy.

Another memorable performance came from Gwendolyn Milkie as Jan. Jan is often written as the awkward kid who tries to laugh first so no one laughs at her. Milkie played that tension with a careful hand, offering humor without flattening the character into a punchline. She carried the social uncertainty naturally, letting Jan’s sweetness come through even when she was trying a little too hard to fit in.

Wesley Maradiaga added charm as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine, using both roles to show different shades of showmanship. He has an instinct for playing directly to the audience, and those moments landed well with the crowd.

The ensemble of Rydell High students filled the stage with movement and color, creating a world for the principals to bounce off. Their work in “We Go Together” and the hand-jive sequences kept the momentum high and helped shape the show’s sense of community. Schultz writes that part of the magic of “Grease” is that “many people have character flaws and that the choices we make will always be judged by those around us,” and the full cast leaned into that idea. Their interactions gave the school hallways and dance floors a sense of lived-in teenage chaos that made the story feel bigger than the sum of its scenes.

Brittany Paige McMains’ musical direction kept the cast vocally grounded, and Melissa Dupont’s work in hair and makeup helped cement the period energy without overwhelming the young performers. Satori Munson’s stage management kept everything moving cleanly, and the tech team, band, and supporting crew filled out the production with professionalism.

Act Out Enrichment’s “Grease” is a youth production, but it has a heartbeat that comes from the honesty of the performances. The students brought their own experiences, anxieties, and energies to characters who have been interpreted countless times and still made them feel fresh. The director closed her note by thanking the universe for “allowing us to put on this musical and add all our favorites from the hit motion picture,” and that affection is exactly what came through onstage.