The American Gothic Performing Arts Festival closes its 2026 season with the irresistibly fun and iconic musical Grease, with book, music, and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

Set in the carefree world of 1950s Rydell High, Grease follows a group of teenagers navigating friendship, romance, and the social hierarchies of adolescence. When summer romance meets the realities of high school life, cliques collide, loyalties are tested, and identities are reshaped—sometimes awkwardly, sometimes hilariously, and often to the beat of unforgettable songs.

More than a nostalgic romp, Grease captures a moment in American culture when youth, rebellion, and self-expression were beginning to redefine what it meant to belong. With high-energy dance numbers, sharp humor, and a score packed with crowd-pleasing favorites, the musical celebrates the messy, transformative journey of growing up.

Joyful, fast-paced, and full of heart, Grease sends the Festival out on a high note—reminding us that even rivalry and difference can give way to connection, confidence, and community.