The first National Touring Company of "Grease" spends its lazy summer days back in the Eastern half of the country after a three month run on the West Coast. Taylor Hicks talked to the local media in Appleton, Wisconsin, about the Tony-nominated Broadway musical where he stars as a sparkling, blues' inspired Teen Angel.
“When I think of ‘Grease’ I think of a great American story with great American songs,” Hicks said. “I think that’s what people are attracted to.”
"It’s a signature role that has been made famous by different singers and actors. I just wanted to put my own spin on it so I designed my own costume and wrote some R&B horn lines. I ‘Taylorized’ it, so to speak.
"He’s the latest in a long line of celebrities who have crooned from above as the Teen Angel in 'Grease,' including Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Davy Jones and Jimmy Osmond. There even were a few lady Angels, like 1960s leading vocals powerhouse Darlene Love." (Kara Patterson, Postcrescant.com)
"Grease" the traveling show, spends it summer with stops as far North as Canada and as far South as Florida and places inbetween. One stop will be Taylor's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, in late September.
After opening this week in Appleton, Wisconsin, and playing Detroit at the Fisher Theatre from June 9-28, Broadway Across America schedule continues into next year.
Grease Tour Schedule
More Summer fun with "Red, White and Cruise"...
Taylor Hicks cruises into the huge Red, White and Cruise Celebration in Fontana, California, on July 4th. He will be featured entertainer on the Main Stage for the event that highlights motor sports and cruising the road. It's a day-long party for the entire family. redwhiteandcruise.com
Taylor’s new home in cyberworld...
New look, new features and new fanclub site…Taylor has styled up the website place and has turned on the welcome music. The fanclub site features a new ticket buying site with premium seating.
Check out the new home of all that’s uniquely Taylor Hicks: www.taylorhicks.com
The Cone Ranger on the redeye: "TaylorRHicksChicago Airport 610am...Glad its not raining..." [Sunday]
"TaylorRHicks Cone Ranger has had a blast in Seattle!! Thanks to all that has come out to Grease and the Tripple Door!! "
Follow the CR for the fun ride: twitter.com/TaylorRHicks
Back in the ballpark...
Taylor heads to the baseball park again when he sings the National Anthem at the Detroit Tiger's game on June 25th. It's summer in Detroit!
"Seven Mile Breakdown" back then~~Wynn Christian’s interview
Former band mate and co-writer of Seven Mile Breakdown, Wynn Christian, shares insight about the song and Taylor Hicks:
"...we both shared a passion for music, which is how we hit it off in the first place. 'Passion' is probably an understatement, as we were pretty obsessed with the stuff we liked."
Read the entire Wynn Christian interview at:
TTHC and Wynn Christian
Photo courtesy of RagsQueen, from The Triple Door, 5.27.09
