Matthew Paul Olmos’s that drive through monterey world premiere play at Houston Stages. Sophia Marcelle and Matthew Martinez star in a sweet love story between two square awkward nerds while sneaking in a commentary on machismo. Who knew such cute scintillating romance could be found at the library! Huge shoutout to Cassidy Stanley’s lighting design which used floor trims to seamlessly simulate driving and scene changes. It’s been 10 years since my last visit at this theatre company, and it’s crazy seeing their nice new building complex. Closes 6/7. 🎭🚘
Written by Matthew Paul Olmos Directed by Brenda Palestina Producers: Syma and Walt Zerkow
Derek Charles Livingston, Artistic Director | Gwen Watkins, Managing Director
Dates & Venue: On the Lester and Sue Smith Stage | May 8 – Jun. 7, 2026
Featuring
Sophia Marcelle
Matthew Martinez
Elissa Cuellar
Marissa Castillo
Antonio Lasanta
Creative Team
Scenic Designer: Tania Barrenechea
Costume Designer: Preciosa Aivles
Lighting Designer: Cassidy Stanley
Sound Designer: Yezminne Zepeda
Properties Designer: Jodi Bobrovsky
Intimacy Director: Valerie Rachelle
Stage Manager: Ashley Ginn
Costumes created in the Myrtle Jones Wig and Costume Shop Properties created in the Jo and Jim Furr Prop Shop
Cast List
Sophia Marcelle* … monterey
Matthew Martinez* … maximilliano
Elissa Cuellar … lydia
Marissa Castillo* … lupe
Antonio Lasanta … timoteo
Production Crew
Show Control: Celeste Cerenio
A1: Tyrone Mathis, Jr.
Wardrobe Supervisor: Vic Lucas
Deck Crew: Michelle Sosa, Makenzie Owens, Daun Whaley, Jakob Kubis
Production Details
Time and Place: California, beginning in 1971
Runtime: This production runs for 2.5 hours with an intermission
*Appearing through an agreement between Stages and Actors’ Equity Association, The Union Of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Any taping, filming, recording, or broadcast of this play is strictly prohibited. Please turn off phones and other electronic devices.
Play Development History & Acknowledgements
that drive thru monterey was developed at the 2021 Ojai Playwrights Conference: Robert Egan, Artistic Director/Producer.
that drive thru monterey was originally written and developed through The Lark’s Winter Writers’ Retreat.
that drive thru monterey was developed through LAUNCH PAD at the University of California, Santa Barbara – Department of Theater and Dance in 2023, Risa Brainin, Artistic Director.
that drive thru monterey is presented by special arrangement with United Talent Agency.
that drive thru monterey was originally produced by Stages, Derek Charles Livingston, Artistic Director, and Gwen Watkins, Managing Director, in Houston, Texas, May 8th, 2026.
Funding & Sponsors:
Stages is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. This project is generously funded by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
@showsiveseen#Grease#musical by @Village Theatre. Maya McQueen and @dankvelasquez shine backed by the theatre's signature top-tier choreo, vocals, and band. Ben Dow's "Those Magic Changes" was pure magic. The retro doo-wop score and squeaky-clean 1950s harmonies/setting were reminiscent of @The 5th Avenue Theatre's "Bye Bye Birdie." Closed in Issaquah, but still playing in Everett through June 7! 🎸 Review: showsiveseen.com/15518 B-Roll: Nyhuis Director/Choreo: Lisa Shriver Music Director: Tim Symons Stage Mgr: JR Welden #theatre#musicaltheatre#showsiveseen♬ You're The One That I Want – Remastered 2022 – Olivia Newton-John
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Grease musical by Village Theatre. Maya McQueen and Daniel Velasquez shine backed by the theatre’s signature top-tier choreo, vocals, and band. Ben Dow’s “Those Magic Changes” was pure magic. The retro doo-wop score and squeaky-clean 1950s harmonies/setting were reminiscent of The 5th Ave Theatre’s Bye Bye Birdie. Closed in Issaquah, but still playing in Everett through June 7! 🎸
Recommendation: See it!
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, this was probably the 2nd or 3rd time I’ve seen the show.
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Absolutely
Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high
If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Absolutely
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, this classic musical follows a tight-knit circle of high school teens and the central, identity-shifting romance between good-girl Sandy and bad-boy Danny.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company:
Ohhh those summer nights! From its earliest performance in a Chicago nightclub through its record-breaking Broadway run and hit feature film, Grease has remained one of the world’s most popular musicals. Featuring the many hit songs that became the soundtrack of a generation, like “Greased Lightnin’,” “Alone at the Drive-in Movie,” and “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” this 1950s pop culture satire is filled to the brim with grit, glam, and youthful exuberance.
In roles made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive their sizzling summer fling as the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies of Rydell High’s senior class navigate the peer pressures and social politics of high school in the 1950s. Directed and choreographed by Lisa Shriver, this production of Grease promises nonstop, nostalgic, hydromatic fun. So throw on a poodle skirt, dust off that leather jacket, and rediscover the show that’s been winning hearts for generations!
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several
Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly dynamic
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You may appreciate this musical better if you saw the classic movie first. However, while modern audiences might naturally look to the film as a reference point, the stage production actually predates its cinematic counterpart. Experiencing the familiar musical numbers in their original sequence was a delightfully disorienting twist that added a fresh layer of appreciation to the show.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Union Actor(s): 7
Total Actor(s): 16
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours
Other Rave(s)
Vocals and Musical Performances: Ben Dow (as Doody) delivered a charming rendition of “Those Magic Changes,” beautifully backed by the doo-wop harmonies of the Burger Palace Boys. The number was a delightful reminder of his previous work in Jersey Boys at this same venue and rightfully earned him an extended ovation. Chad Marge (as Kenickie) garnered a similarly enthusiastic extended response, bolstered by that same strong ensemble energy in “Greased Lightnin’.” “Mooning” emerged as an unexpected highlight, featuring the sweet harmonies between Nick McCarthy (as Roger) and Pilar O’Connell (as Jan). McCarthy and Dow also teamed up for “Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Queen,” treating the audience to a wonderfully effortless vocal and guitar duet surprise hit. Meanwhile, Maya McQueen (as Sandy) provided a lovely touch by turning “It’s Raining on Prom Night” into a duet with the radio, before fully unleashing her powerhouse vocals in the iconic ballad, “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
Choreography: Director and choreographer Lisa Shriver’s dance numbers were largely outstanding. High-energy highlights included the Act II opener, “Shakin’ at the High School Hop,” alongside the iconic “Greased Lightnin’” and “Born to Hand Jive.” However, “Greased Lightnin’” felt like it could have benefited from a little tap dancing, and the signature hand jive sequence strangely lacked a prominent display of its namesake movements. Additionally, the Issaquah stage felt a bit too confined for the expansive prom choreography. Hopefully, that was alleviated by the production’s transfer to the Everett stage.
Scenic Design: Jason Ardizzone-West transformed the stage into a high school gym. Uniquely, the live band was situated on a second-level balcony, evoking the staging of Mimi’s “Out Tonight” in Rent. The scenic pièce de résistance arrived during the sparkly dream sequence of “Beauty School Dropout,” when the gym bleachers surprisingly parted and giant hairspray cans (perhaps reused from a past production of Hairspray) released mist into the air.
Theatre Company: Village Theatre
Venue: Village Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA 98201 or 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Dates: March 24 – May 3, 2026 in Issaquah and May 9 – June 7, 2026 in Everett
Seating: Assigned Seats
Parking: There’s free street parking and some paid parking lots/garages. In Issaquah, I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, you can always find parking at the library but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that mostly only locals know about.
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Photos: See production photos below by Nikki Womac.
Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.
The company of GREASE at Village Theatre. Photo by Nikki Womac (2026). L to R: Ben Dow, Jeffery Wallace, Chad Marge, Nick McCarthy, and Daniel Velasquez in GREASE at Village Theatre. Photo by Nikki Womac (2026). The company of GREASE at Village Theatre. Photo by Nikki Womac (2026).Maya McQueen and Daniel Velasquez in GREASE at Village Theatre. Photo by Nikki Womac (2026).The company of GREASE at Village Theatre. Photo by Nikki Womac (2026).Credits from the printed ENCORE program. Credits from the printed ENCORE program. Credits from the printed ENCORE program. Credits from the printed ENCORE program.
Village Theatre
Mainstage + New Works + Youth Education Adam Immerwahr, Artistic Director | Derek Watanabe, Managing Director
Grease
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre: Mar 24–May 3, 2026 Everett Performing Arts Center: May 9–Jun 7, 2026
Set Designer: Jason Ardizzone-West
Costume Designer: Danielle Nieves
Lighting Designer: Robert J Aguilar
Sound Designer: Ken Travis
Stage Manager: JR Welden*
Music Director: Tim Symons
Director/Choreographer: Lisa Shriver
Grease is presented by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. www.concordtheatricals.com
Season Sponsors: 4Culture, ArtsFund, Boeing, Microsoft, Enzo’s Bistro & Bar, Hook & Cleaver, Lombardi’s Producing Sponsors: Visit Everett, City of Issaquah Arts Commission, Seattle Northcountry Show Sponsors: Klein Honda, Rowley Properties
Johnny Casino, Vince Fontaine, Teen Angel, Vocal Captain: Danny Kam
Marty, Rizzo, Miss Lynch: Jacqueline Tardanico
Sandy, Patty: Chailia Wendland
Stage Management
Stage Manager: JR Welden*
Assistant Stage Manager: Anna Vraney*
Assistant Stage Manager (2/10-4/5): Miranda Mikolaizik*
Production Assistant and Assistant Stage Manager (4/3-5/31): Ethan Swim
Assistant Stage Manager Cover: Nicola Krause
*The Actors and Stage Managers are members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Orchestra
Piano/Conductor (03/24-04/05): Tim Symons
Conductor/Keyboard 1 (04/08-06/07): Michael Nutting
Guitar 1: Greg Fulton or Anthony Pooley
Guitar 2: Elisa Money
Bass: Olivia D Hamilton or Ethan Sobotta
Drums: Emily Westman
Alto Sax/Tenor Sax: Eric Patterson or Natalie Petty or Derek Smith
Happy opening weekend to the world premiere of Scott Zenreich & John Gregor’s Chicken Tinders – A Musical Fable from Copious Love Productions & Gaisma Theatre Group at Taproot Theatre. Cartoonish, absurd, cacophonous romp serving up as many “fowl” puns as Shucked does corn. Starring Noah Fletcher as Chicken 33671 guy. Janet Krupin stole the show as the fox. Unforgettable education on the “cloacal kiss.” Closes 5/31. 💋🍑🥚🐔🎭
Bess Wohl’s Continuity – A Play in Six Takes by Blue Hour Theatre at 12th Ave Arts. Sharply written/executed dialogue. This production thoroughly melted away my initial skepticism of the premise. Fascinating, meta-theatrical experience bringing the chaotic filmmaking process to a live stage medium. Only 2 chances left tomorrow before they “lose the light” and close for good! 🎬🎭
Originally commissioned by the Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) with funds provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and received its world premiere there on May 21, 2019.
CONTINUITY was developed by the Cape Cod Theatre Project.
CONTINUITY was produced in a developmental stage production by Goodman Theatre, Chicago (Robert Falls, Artistic Director; Roche Schulfer, Executive Director), in the New Stages Festival.
World premiere of Liz Duffy Adams’s Dear Alien at Houston’s Alley Theatre. Epistolary play brought a series of columnist letters to life. Anchored by Dylan Godwin’s impressive memorization of massive monologue-like passages. Supporting roles from Brandon Hearnsberger and Melissa Molano. Closes 5/31. 👽🎭
