Barry Williams as Danny Zuko in GREASE

[broadwaydanwi]

Posted: 11/25/11 at 9:45am

Hello!

For fans of the musical GREASE, I just posted a new page on "Memories of Melody Top" featuring a production that starred Barry Williams as Danny Zuko. Mr. Williams (a personal favorite of William Luff, the Top's president, treasurer and business manager) made five Milwaukee appearances under the dome in PIPPIN, GREASE, OKLAHOMA, WEST SIDE STORY and BYE BYE BIRDIE. An accomplished and entertaining stage performer, his work in GREASE was praised by local critics:

The Milwaukee Sentinel's Jay Joslyn wrote, "Barry Williams, the evening's star, makes the swaggering Danny Zuko a likable fellow with a surprising amount of understanding." In the Milwaukee Journal, critic Damien Jaques commented, "The part of Danny Zuko, the Fonzie-type character of the show, is handled capably by Barry Williams of THE BRADY BUNCH TV fame. Williams, the name star of this production, is quite likable and sings nicely."

The photographs from GREASE were lent to me by Tom Marks, who played Kenickie in the production. Tom returned to Melody Top during its last two seasons with three titles: children's theatre producer/director, performer and artistic director. His dedication to keeping the venue alive and prosperous during those difficult years is a testament to his creativity, passion and love of live musical theatre. Please join me in thanking Tom for his generous contribution to the website!
GREASE at Memories of Melody Top

[beaemma]

Posted: 11/26/11 at 6:09pm

I saw most of the shows Barry Williams did at Melody Top, and he was a very talented and effective performer in all of them. GREASE was especially fun, as the photos show. The promotional sock hop looks like a riot. Tom Marks, as Kenickie, was some actor to look so excited by that scaled down car. Having to get scenery and props up and down the aisles did impose limitations like that.

[broadwaydanwi]

Posted: 11/29/11 at 7:18am

I'm still searching for a photo of Barry Williams in OKLAHOMA at Melody Top. He performed "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" while riding a live horse on stage. You have to admire a performer who would sing in a musical -- while riding a horse -- in a tent theatre -- in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

[newintown]

Posted: 11/29/11 at 9:54am

Williams also did Grease (with Roz Kelly as Rizzo), and Pippin (with Tommy Tune as Leading Player) with the Kenley Players in the late 70s.