Grease 2003

Having previously collected for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Even Start Literacy Program, and Broadway Cares, the performer founded the Rikki Lee Travolta American Hero Foundation following the September 11th tragedies. He chose Round Lake Beach, Illinois as the administrative headquarters of the foundation. His subsequent involvement in the community led to his agreement to guest star in the 'Grease' production.

"Rikki Lee Travolta is a great role model, an amazing actor, and has an incredible voice that is perfectly suited for this style of music," says 'Grease' director Christi Nicholson, who compares landing the guest star as the theatrical equivalent of Michael Jordan agreeing to play for a local basketball team.

"Fans of the movie will not be disappointed," says Nicholson. With box office receipts over $340 million, the film version of 'Grease' is the highest grossing movie musical of all time and features memorable songs from the stage production including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightning," and "We Go Together."

Funds raised from Travolta's four performances will be invested in bringing fine arts to the community through park district programs.

To mark the occasion, the mayor of the Village of Round Lake, Bill Gentes, has proclaimed February 28 as "Rikki Lee Travolta Day" in recognition of the star's contributions to the community.

"I am honored to be able to give back to this community," says Travolta of his agreement to guest star in 'Grease.' "If my involvement can raise money and bring fine arts and educational programs to future generations, it's my privilege to do it and a sincere labor of love."

Travolta directs 50% of all proceeds from his novel “My Fractured Life” sold through Amazon.com and TravoltaNet.com to his namesake foundation. He also contributes 50% of all his proceeds from album sales to the foundation.

Joining Travolta in the historic event is Jessica Lauren Fisher in the Olivia Newton-John role of Sandy. Fisher appeared in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' with Donny Osmond and 'Grease' with Debbie Gibson. Travolta has guest starred as Joseph in the Andrew Lloyd Webber '…Dreamcoat' musical.

Travolta and Fisher have appeared on duet recordings of songs from the Broadway musical 'Jekyll & Hyde' and most recently starred opposite each other in the rock musical 'Bye Bye Birdie.'

Hap Ernstein, entertainment reporter for the Palm Beach Post, reported on February 15 that a new film adaptation of 'Bye Bye Birdie' is being fast-tracked based on the success of the Oscar-nominated film adaptation of 'Chicago' by executive producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan.

Travolta, who will star in the action film 'Hero Before Dawn' with Michael Dorn ('Star Trek Nemesis'), has already been given an honorary membership in the Amateur Association of Elvis Impersonators for the authenticity and humor of his national touring appearances as the Elvis Presley-based Conrad Birdie character. His 2002 album "Hero's Lullaby" includes a blues rendition of Presley's "Jail House Rock."

The storyline of 'Grease' centers around a group of high school teenagers in 1959. The main characters, Danny Zuko (Travolta) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Fisher), find themselves in school together after a brief summer romance.

Featuring a Jim Jacobs-Warren Casey book and score, 'Grease' began in the spring of 1971 as a small amateur production at an out-of-the-way Chicago theater called the Kingston Mines – less than 50 miles from where Travolta will make his historic debut.

By 1972 the musical was on Broadway where it ran for eight years, closing as the longest-running show in Broadway history. The original 1972 Broadway production and a 1994 revival accumulated a combined 10 Tony Award nominations.

During the run of the Broadway revival, which lasted through 1998, Travolta was flown to New York to meet with director Jeff Calhoun regarding interest in having him appear in the production. The revival and its touring company were famous for using celebrity guest stars including Lucy Lawless, Rosie O’Donnell, Peter Scolari, Jon Secada, Brook Shields, Sally Struthers, and Adrian Zmed.

"It was a huge honor to be considered in that field of talent but it just didn’t seem like the right timing," says Travolta, who instead accepted a headlining role in the interactive comedy 'Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.'

"Rikki Lee Travolta is ready for Broadway," says Drake Miezel of Prime Time Entertainment. "He is among the elite leading men with the charisma and talent to be a star in movies, television, and the theatre."

Travolta has been compared to Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, and James Dean for his ability to adapt to both stage and screen. He has been compared to stars John Travolta and Antonio Banderas for his versatile transitions between musical, dramatic, and comedic projects. Vocally he is regularly classed with 'Rent' and 'Aida' star Adam Pascal.

When Travolta takes the stage as Danny Zuko in 'Grease' on February 28, his name will be added to the list of famous alumni who have played the role over the years including Barry Bostwick, Richard Gere, Patrick Swayze, and Treat Williams.

"I join an amazing legacy," says Travolta with characteristic humility that contradicts the sexually charged aura he exudes on stage. "Every actor who has preceded me has my utmost respect. I am honored to be held in the same regard as such a legendary brotherhood."

"Barry Bostwick not only originated this role, but he continues to amaze me with his versatility in film and television appearances to this day. Richard Gere is one of the true greats of the industry and is a key part of the resurgence of the movie musical with his appearance in 'Chicago.' Patrick Swayze proves himself over and over as a phenomenal actor, singer, and dancer. John (Travolta) made history by defining this role on film yet showed true greatness by not stereotyping himself in the process. And, Treat Williams is the star of the best television series on the air right now in 'Everwood.'. That would be a guest star dream," praises Travolta of the men whose shoes he is set to fill.

To accommodate ticket demands for Travolta's performances, the production will move to the Round Lake Area Panther Auditorium, located at 1 Panther Lane, in Round Lake, outside of Chicago. Tickets for Travolta's performances are available by calling (847) 546-8558.