Disabled Let Their Lights Shine in This Theater Group : Stage: Ability is the key word for Anaheim’s Therapeutic Recreational Theatre Troupe, which will stage a musical revue.

Whether it’s Shakespeare or a shimmy-and-shake musical, most amateur shows have a similar goal: to let performers explore their creative abilities in a supportive environment, while entertaining, and maybe even enlightening, the audience.

To Kristina Norum, director of Anaheim’s Therapeutic Recreational Theatre Troupe, ability is the key word here. Thursday night, Norum’s 24-member cast of developmentally disabled adults will present “Grease--Back to the 1950s,” an evening of songs and dances from the hit musical. There is no admission fee.

“My goal is to make the public aware of the abilities these men and women have, instead of their disabilities,” said Norum, who coordinated every aspect of the show from choreography to costumes. “Everyone of us has our own special talent, something that makes us feel good about ourselves. It’s just a matter of exploring it.”

Norum’s cast, ranging in age from 16 to 27, includes mentally and physically disabled men and women from across Orange County. Clad in poodle skirts and leather jackets, they will sing, dance, swoon and otherwise cavort through such numbers as “Greased Lightning,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”

The show will cap off an eight-week musical theater workshop conducted by Norum at Anaheim’s Therapeutic Recreation Center. For many in the class, it was their first exposure to the performing arts.

“The class has been extremely motivated,” said Norum, who shepherded a similar program through the City of Santa Clara. “When we first started, there were a few who were very shy, and I’m happy to see how much they’ve come out of that. Now it’s exciting to see how much they enjoy being on stage.”

Norum said her group has been so responsive that she is working to establish it as a permanent theater troupe. Plans already are being laid for a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which Norum will adapt to the special needs and abilities of her actors.

A performance for the Anaheim Arts Council, which funds the group, and the Very Special Arts Committee has been scheduled for late November. An appearance also has been booked for next year’s Very Special Arts Festival. Norum has contacted local convalescent hospitals and community groups as sites for future shows. In all cases, she said, the public has been receptive.

“It’s gratifying to see how people who have never had much exposure to the disabled can be so positive about our goals,” she said. “It’s all a matter of information. By learning more about people who are a little different from us, we can help get rid of a lot of fears.”

“Grease -- Back to the 1950s,” a musical revue by the Anaheim Therapeutic Recreational Theatre Troupe, will be presented Thursday at 7 p.m. at Savannah High School auditorium, 301 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim. Admission: free. Information: (714) 821-6510.