Episode 185: Interview With The Cast of VAPE! The Grease Parody!

Off-Broadway’s latest wild ride, Vape! The Grease Parody, has descended upon New York City, leaving a trail of glitter, vapor, and outrageous laughter in its wake. At the heart of this high-octane reimagining are Scott Silagy and Lara Strong, leading the charge as Danny and Sandy—names everyone knows, but here brought back to life through a TikTok lens and a fog of strawberry-scented irony.

Currently running at Theater 555 on West 42nd Street through January 4, Vape! is not your typical musical. It’s a fearless and hilariously sharp spoof of the beloved 1978 classic Grease, dissecting the original’s iconic characters and problematic tropes with modern bite. The production, created by Sketchworks Comedy with lyrics by Billy Recce and Danny Salles, dives headfirst into parody territory, twisting familiar storylines into something as chaotic as it is clever. Director Jack Plotnick has assembled a production that celebrates musical theatre while mercilessly mocking its most sacred cows—and thanks to Silagy and Strong, the results are nothing short of side-splitting.

For Scott Silagy, taking on the role of Danny feels like the perfect culmination of years spent honing his skills across the national theater circuit. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, Silagy has toured with Hairspray, starred in Footloose, Rock of Ages, and more recently wrapped Jagged Little Pill in White Plains. “There’s a magic in performing close to home,” he says. “Touring is incredible—you see the country, connect with new audiences—but coming home to your own apartment, having your people around you, and not having to pack a suitcase after every show? That’s priceless.” He explains that this show, unlike anything he’s done before, is fueled by energy, irreverence, and a relentless pace. The audition process was lightning fast. “I had my audition on a Monday and was in rehearsal by Tuesday,” he recalls. “It was the quickest turnaround I’ve ever experienced. But I could tell immediately this was something special.”

His co-star, Lara Strong, offers a contrasting but equally compelling journey. Originally from New Zealand, Strong made the leap to New York in 2019 after earning a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. “I always dreamed of doing Broadway,” she says. “New York is where the magic happens. I packed up my life and never looked back.” Her range as a performer—comedian, vocalist, and actor—made her uniquely equipped for a show like Vape!. “I felt completely safe to be able to take big swings,” Strong shares. “Jack and Danny created a space where you’re encouraged to tickle yourself, to make yourself laugh. That kind of freedom makes the work better, makes it braver.”

Unlike traditional musicals, Vape! leans into the absurd. There are ensemble dance numbers that erupt out of nowhere, characters that lock eyes with the audience mid-scene, and references that reach far beyond Grease into the personal lives of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. “It’s not just a parody of Grease,” Strong explains. “We poke fun at the original characters, yes, but we’re also referencing Travolta’s filmography, Newton-John’s discography, and mixing it all together in this beautiful chaotic mess.” Silagy adds, “Comedy is different from any other genre in theatre. It’s so specific. You’ve got to hit the beats, and the audience will let you know instantly if you do or not.”

The result is a show that feels less like a musical and more like a sketch comedy explosion with a Broadway budget. Audience interaction is encouraged through laughter and reaction, but the performance remains tightly choreographed. “We may look someone in the audience right in the eyes,” says Silagy, laughing, “but then we’re on to the next action. It’s rapid-fire.”

The show’s journey to the stage is as wild as its content. Originally set to premiere in New York in 2019, Vape! was hit with a cease-and-desist from the rights holders of Grease, triggering a two-and-a-half-year legal battle. Sketchworks Comedy fought back, asserting parody protection under fair use—and won. “This production represents resilience and the power of creativity,” Strong says. “We’re standing on a stage that almost didn’t exist. That makes every laugh, every performance, even more meaningful.”

With a dream team behind the scenes, including choreographer Ashley Marinelli, music supervisor Lena Gabrielle, and designers David Goldstein, Matthew Solomon, and Zach Pizza, the show’s aesthetic is as polished as it is outrageous. Every detail serves the comedic chaos. “Everything about this production is dialed in,” says Silagy. “It’s professional, but it’s unhinged in the best way.”

Now well into its 10-week run, Vape! is generating buzz for all the right reasons. The cast thrives on audience energy, and every show feels like a communal experience. “I’m excited to just let it all go,” says Strong. “That moment when you’ve rehearsed and prepared, and you trust your castmates—that’s when the magic happens.” Silagy echoes that sentiment. “We work so long in this city for opportunities, and they often take us away from New York. This is one of the first times I’ve been able to stay in the city and invite my friends, my people, to come and laugh with me.”

As far as missteps on stage? They’re not just forgiven—they’re celebrated. “Normally, if I mess up on stage, I’d start sweating profusely,” Silagy jokes. “But in this show, if something goes wrong, it just becomes part of the comedy. The audience is ready to laugh. It’s a gift.”

Vape! The Grease Parody runs through January 4 at Theater 555, with performances Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Tickets range from $39 to $99 and can be purchased at VapeTheMusical.com

For anyone looking to revisit a childhood favorite in the most delightfully twisted way possible, this is the show you want.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRaHRcgrFcw

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Scott & Lara tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.