The first time I saw “Grease” was at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. The production was excellent, but I really disliked the music. All that 50’s “bee-bop-ba-lua—she’s my baby” crap drove me crazy 'cause during my childhood, that's all my older sister ever played. So years later when the “Grease” audition came up, I really had to question whether to even go on it. Then I thought, ah... just do the audition as “an exercise.” To my surprise, I won the audition, but to my bigger surprise, my managers were very much against me taking the role. They pleaded with me not to leave such an important casting time in Los Angeles for an East Coast musical that, in their opinion, had run its course. Now, you must understand that their client list read like a who's who of past Grease alumni. Actors such as Barrie Bostwick, Treat Williams, Jeff Conway, Marilu Henner, and, later, John Travolta in the film version. Needless to say, they were sick of it. But I'm what they call a “triple threat.” I sing, dance, and act, so to pass on this monumental role wasn't even an option.

I flew back to New York and got started in rehearsals. The tour was a blast, the reviews where great, and I felt that I finally got my “big break.” So with that, halfway through the tour I capitulated to my managers, flew back to Los Angeles, and, without delay, snagged guest star roles on “Barnaby Jones,” “Lou Grant,” and “Taxi.” My management was thrilled, and my self-esteem was soaring.

There were many great actors in our East Coast tour of “Grease.” One of my favorites was Peter Gallager. What a lucky girl I was to have him as my leading man. He is so talented, handsome, funny, and just a plain real great guy. I believe James Remar got a film offer so he left the tour early, sniff, sniff, but what a gutsy, earthy, creative, great actor and friend he was.

And Ann Martin, where are you? I still miss you to this day.