Artist Spotlight: OKC based Artist to Star in Casa Mañana’s Grease

Emily Pace stars as Frenchy in Grease. Photo by Adriana Tomeu.

Local artist and talent Emily J. Pace is taking a brief trip down to Fort Worth for a fun springtime show. Casa Mañana Theatre’s Grease opens March 2nd through 10th and it is Pace’s second time performing at the theatre. She was recently seen there in ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas as one of a pair of Christmas Elves. A former musical theatre student at UCO, Pace is known and loved by Oklahoma City audiences. She’s recently been seen in Kismet Arts Studio’s award winning production of Oliver!, and The Pollard’s Ghost: The Musical, The Producers, Heathers, and American Idiot. Pace was recently recognized in Broadway World’s 2018 Regional Theatre Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Nancy in Oliver!.

A real treat of a show is the famous rock musical Grease, which features the fun musical numbers “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and more. This production seeks to remind theatregoers that Grease is still the word.

Of her opportunity to perform with Casa Mañana in their 60th anniversary season, Pace says “Working with a theatre that has such a rich history is so very exciting. It has become one of my favorite places to play! I still can’t believe I get to work with such giants in the regional theatre world. I’m a lucky gal!”

When asked about her role as the iconic “Pink Lady” Frenchy, Pace says “Well, I learned how to French inhale for this part and I am very stoked to debut my new skill! In all seriousness, I’ve always loved Didi Conn in the Grease film and I can’t wait to step into those shoes. Also….the wig. I’m really excited about the wig.”

The final question is a loaded one, and certainly comes with an agenda, as audiences are looking forward to what Pace has upcoming next after Grease. Pace says “Only the universe knows that one. Nothing planned, as of yet! I’m on that audition grind. I just gotta keep showing up! The rest will work itself out. I’m very grateful for the new relationships I’ve developed at Casa and I can’t wait to see what might be next!”

Casa Mañana’s Grease. Photo courtesy of Casa Mañana Theatre, Forth Worth, TX.

The musical also stars Rico Lebron and Mary Mattison as Danny Zuko and Sandy. Austin Hohnke and Hannah Shankman are Kenickie and Betty Rizzo. Christian Probst is Doody, Jason Moody is Sonny LaTierra and Zach Sutton is Roger, completing the T-Birds trio. The Pink Ladies are Emmie Kivell as Marty, Emily J. Pace as Frenchy and Madison Kaufmann as Jan. Others cast members include Kimberly Pine as Patty Simcox, Zachary J. Willis as Eugene Florczyk, Brett Warner as Miss Lynch, Zak Reynolds as Vince Fontaine, Winston Daniels as Teen Angel/Johnny Casino, and Ashley Arcement as ChaCha DiGregorio. Tristin Thomas and Sarah Youngblood complete the ensemble.

This production of Grease is directed by Tim Seib. Merrill West choreographs and Edward G. Robinson is music director. Mike Sabourin is scenic designer, John Bartenstein is lighting designer, Eric Norris is sound designer, Tammy Spencer is costume designer and Cat Petty-Rogers is hair and makeup designer. The production is recommended for mature audiences.

Casa Mañana Theatre of Fort Worth, TX presents Grease, March 2nd-10th. If you’re in the mood for a quick trip to see Pace and company in action in this rockin’ musical, visit casamanana.org for tickets.