Every time I think of the show "Grease," I think of Paul Dieke--a musical genius, a local legend, and a personal friend.

I met Paul at the DM Playhouse when we both worked on "West Side Story."  We did three other musicals together, both great believers that artistic excellence and commercial success are achievable at the same time.

In 1986 I put together a medley of songs from "Grease" to perform at Disneyland.  With my conceptualization, editing, and choreography, and Paul's excellent vocal coaching, we had a hit.

Over the years we revived my Grease Medley several times, each with a new set of singers.  Each time Paul was there, guiding, coaxing, and tweaking my dancers until they sounded pretty good!

Now here we are again with a new cast, but no Paul.  He recently passed away, and I miss him deeply.  His words and advice are a part of me, and I'm trying to impart his knowledge to this new flock of fledglings.  So I'll dig deep and give it my best shot, for my singers--and for Paul.