It’s now official: Joe Piscopo will star in the upcoming production of Grease! at the Civic Center.

The former “Not Ready for Prime-Time” player skyrocketed onto the comedy scene after an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in October of 1980.

Since then, he has been seen in dozens of motion pictures, personal appearances, commercials, TV and Broadway productions, and now the official national touring production of Grease!

This particular stint will be Piscopo’s first appearance in a touring production of the show. He’s well-suited for the part of Vince Fontaine, the heartthrob host of “National Bandstand,” since he played the same role for the Broadway production.

Grease! slides into the Civic Center for eight shows June 25 through the 30th. Tickets range in price from $15 to $42 and are on sale now.

They are available through the Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 233-1888 (Ames) or 243-1888 (Des Moines).