Grease is much more than a script, a stage play, a movie.  Grease is a cultural classic that’s made a long lasting impression with multiple productions and revivals through the dialogue, the dance, the songs and the unforgettable characters.

 

From the origins of a Chicago production based on real life experiences, a Broadway run including actors Patrick Swayze, Richard Gere and John Travolta, the blockbuster movie of 1978 starring Olivia Newton John and Travolta, Broadway revivals and now, Grease the Musical, time has passed but the iconic Grease story remains as alive as ever.

 

Boy meets girl, a summer fling, the holiday romance and dreams of true love… cut to a surprise reunion at Rydell High.  Sandy is the cutesy starting out with new friends, the Pink Ladies, at her new high school. Her summer lovin’ guy just happens to be the king of cool, Danny, leader of the Burger Palace Boys (later known as the T Bird) who’s a rockin’ and a rollin’ dude with attitude. Although hopelessly devoted, Danny’s too cool for school stance in front of the lads pushes Sandy away in a wash of broken hearted blues, but this girl’s not beaten. Sandy is not a naïve patsy in the play, she has a voice and a backbone and can look out for herself.

 

In the role of Sandy, Hope Dawe brings a bold and assured presence to the stage, you’d not know this is her professional debut such is her standard.

Marley Fenton takes to the stage as Danny with great intention and there’s promise in his role to bring a polished blend of fierce punk and vulnerable teenager trying to find his way and place.

 

The 1971 stage play was, by all accounts, aggressive, rough, coarse, sexy and quite vulgar. Grease the Musical has reprised those descriptions albeit to a more acceptable level, but it’s still bolder, grittier and less sunny California than the film purposefully.

 

It’s a cool balance of new and original and most certainly doesn’t cling to the film line but brings the Chicago spirit and moxie to life.

 

 

Brimming with slick, precise staging and movement, the production and direction is immense. There’s a whole lot going on on stage at times but the clever addition of the ‘live’ radio broadcast from DJ Vince Fontaine (Joe Gash) moves the scenes along ingeniously. There is a lack of flow between the actors at times but it finds its feet and boy, does it do that. With the most astounding choreography from Dame Arlene Phillips, her contribution to the show is undisputed and is the absolute highlight. I was quite exhausted just watching, the dance moves are intricate and intense, simply breathtakingly good.

 

Immense physicality and performance with fabulous flamboyance coupled with pyrotechnics and excellent lighting make for an exuberant extravaganza of fast paced, 50’s fun.

 

The greasers totally rock the show and they each get a chance to shine in their own right with musical numbers or quirky comedic stand outs. Note Ben Middleton ‘Mooning’ as Roger, over Jan, a lovely piece with stunning vocals.

Talking of that, everybody in the entire show must take credit for their phenomenal voices. Although the sound was maybe too loud in the theatre, there is no doubt of the ability and delivery of the big hit numbers and the new additions to the playlist we remember.

 

The girls don’t lose out on the spotlight at all, with strong, sassy characters, again, each owning their moments and their roles. Frenchy (Alicia Belgarde) was consistently solid and oh so loveable, in all her pink glory the crowd adored her (and there’s a lotta pink at one point).

 

I personally found some characters less likeable than others, I didn’t feel the connection to the cast, or indeed, between the cast at times. That doesn’t detract from the talent or expertise remotely, that is undeniably powerful and the end of show megamix proved to be a huge success rousing the audience to a standing, singing and dancing ovation. The roars from the adoring fans rang loud and true.

 

The show is punchy and pulsating, technicolor crazy with tremendous costumes that have you hankering for your puffballs and leather jackets. The visual impact goes to great lengths and delivers magnificently. It’s charged with energy throughout, dare I say it ….electrifyin’ and there is nothing subtle about this production. It’s got a groove, it’s a got a meaning, Grease IS the word.

 

 

 

 

Names to note amongst many others:

Nikolai Foster – Director

Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey – Book, Music and Lyrics

Dame Arlene Phillips – Choreography

Ben Cracknell – Lighting Design

Colin Richmond – Set and Costume Design

Sarah Travis – Musical Supervisor & Arranger

Colin Ingram – Producer

Curve Productions

 

All cast and crew credits can be found online or in the programme.