Grease is the Word for Melanie Penn '98

March 15, 2003

March 15, 2003, Greencastle, Ind. - Melanie Penn, a 1998 graduate of DePauw University, "loves her job as a cast member with the national tour of the musical Grease," notes the Connection of McLean, Virginia. Penn, who grew up in nearby Falls Church, portrays Patty, "the cheerleader and 'fun, mean character' who befriends Sandy, Rydell High's new co-ed." She's been touring America with the show since August.

Joanna Franco writes that Penn began singing as a child and performed throughout her youth. "When she went to DePauw University, she majored in both vocal performance and English. After graduation, Penn decided to pursue performing full-time, with her first job working at a children's theater in Michigan. 'I always knew I loved to sing,' Penn said. After Michigan and a brief stint at home, she moved to New York for the purpose of seeking out a career. She played Mary in the off-Broadway production of Tarnish, an original rock musical.

Melanie Penn beat out hundreds of other hopefuls for her role in Grease, where she shares the stage with former teen idol Frankie Avalon, who appeared in the film version of the musical. "Working with Frankie Avalon is really cool," Penn tells the newspaper.

The article concludes, "When she completes her tour with Grease in August, Penn hopes to find more work. In her opinion, success as a performer isn't just about making it on Broadway, but finding continuous opportunities to delight audiences. 'I think in the back of your mind, you have that dream that you're going to make it. You need to have faith,' Penn said.

You can read the complete story online by clicking here.

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