The audience in Kofman Auditorium was transported back to 1959 with a brilliant production of Grease. Director Michael Ryken returned to the 1972 script for this production, and it provided plenty of teenaged angst, energy and inspiration for teens and adults today. Alyssa Bond's choreography conveyed the energy of that year through jitterbug, cha-cha-cha and moves reminiscent of today's teen dance styles.

Marcus Silva (Danny Zuko) leader of The Burger Palace Boys, created an excellent portrayal of adolescent love; pulled between tensions of peer pressure, identity and finding his own place in life. Melissa O'Keefe (Sandy Dumbrowski) is the new girl in school who falls in love with Danny. She sensitively captured the conflicts of teen girls struggling to maintain their own values and self-esteem even when they conflict with friends and are challenged constantly. Their duet, "Summer Nights" and Sandy's solo, "It's Raining On Prom Night," were beautifully arranged and performed.

One of the strongest scenes in the show is in Act 2, Scene 2 when Ryan Rigazzi as Teen Angel with The Pink Ladies as chorus accompany Lisa Price (Frenchy) in "Beauty School Dropout." A music and dance plea about the importance of graduating from high school could not be found anywhere.

The show opens with Johnny Casino (Dean Starnes) and The Johnny Casino Band playing a nostalgic 50s and 60s set that included "Tootie Fruiti," "Wake Up, Little Suzi" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly." Sets designed by Cathy Patton included billboards for Coca-Cola, Westinghouse and Lady Sun Beam, a malt shop and a 1950s-era car onstage. The audience was also treated to a period radio show, announcing ACLO's upcoming season, which will include Annie, Ragtime and Hair. ACLO's production of Grease runs through Sept. 21. To order tickets visit www.aclo.com or call 864-2256. Nanette Bradley Deetz covers arts for the Alameda Sun.