Off-Broadway Parody ‘Vape!’ Reimagines ‘Grease’ for Modern Audiences

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The new off-Broadway parody titled “Vape!” is a modern twist on the classic musical “Grease,” set in a 1950s high school. The show takes a humorous look at themes from the 1978 film that some say haven’t aged well.

During a recent dress rehearsal, Lara Strong, who plays Sandy, shared her excitement about the show. “It brought out so many of the extremes that we see in the movie and reminded me of how ridiculous ‘Grease’ really is,” she said. Scott Silagy, portraying Danny, added that the characters have been updated to fit today’s “woke world.”

In this rendition, the Pink Ladies are renamed the Pink Squad, and traditional smoking is replaced with vaping. The classic Greased Lightnin’ car has been swapped for a more eco-friendly Prius. The characters of Danny and Kenickie explore a sexually fluid relationship, with director Jack Plotnick noting that “teens have traded their cigs for vape pens and hot rods for hybrids.”

The show also critiques the original’s ending, where Sandy undergoes a transformation for her love interest. In “Vape!,” Sandy laments, “I’ve decided that Danny just doesn’t appreciate me for who I am.” This change reflects a more contemporary perspective on personal identity and relationships.

Song lyrics have also been reimagined for today’s audience. Sandy’s solo, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” is now titled “Hopelessly Gaslighted by You,” showcasing a change in how women view romantic dynamics. Meanwhile, Kenickie sings about consent in the parody of “Green Lightnin’,” saying, “As a planet-loving gent, I’ll be getting mad consent.”

“Vape!” runs at Theater 555 on West 42nd Street until January 4. The show aims to entertain while also prompting reflections on how societal values and relationships have evolved since the original movie was released.