Grease!

It is a great pleasure to be invited again to Corby’s Core Theatre to review the C.A.T.S production of “Grease”. This was without a doubt the best amateur production of “Grease” that I have ever seen!

Director, Mark Walker has done a brilliant job with “Grease” from the opening to the finale. It just oozed energy and pace, well done Mark!

Barbara Hockey, the musical director, has brought this show to life, playing and conducting her seven-piece band that gave expert backing to the company throughout the evening.

Choreographer, Sheena Forster, had an unenviable task of “moving” the show, and all I need to say is that the choreography was stunning!

It is always difficult for actors when asked to play iconic roles, but this cast have all managed to do it brilliantly!

The five “T Birds” were amazing, headed by Daniel Fortune as Danny Zuko, who had terrific vocals and developed his character very well and in the later scenes with Sandy he brought a lovely sensitivity to the role. Kevin Maltby as Kenickie, gave a gritty performance and had great vocals, especially “Grease Lightnin’”. Jack Jenkins (Sonny), Ashley Malcolmson (Doody) and Janni Vizma (Roger) made up the remaining T Bird gang and what talented young men these three actors are!

The five “Pink Ladies” were equally amazing. Sophie Tranter as Sandy Dumbrowski was excellent she had a beautiful voice and managed well to portray the girl next door who transforms into a very raunchy young lady. Francesca Chaisson was outstanding as Betty Rizzo she gave a gutsy performance and had an incredibly powerful voice. Samantha Hammonds (Marty), Bianca Harker (Frenchy) and Leona Andreana Sontag (Jan) made up the remaining Pink Ladies and the three all gave excellent performances.

Kevin Aitken (Teen Angel), Janet Askew (Miss Lynch), Alice Louch (Radio Voice), Erin Anderson (Cha Cha), Martin Brown (Vince Fontaine), Paige Mitchell (Patty Simcox), Matthew Turner-Fontaine (Eugene) and Gordon Richie (Johnny Casino) made up the remaining cast list and without exception all gave excellent performances. Well done to all the principal actors!

I must mention too the excellent ensemble, you were all amazing and worked incredibly hard throughout the show. The full company numbers were outstanding!

The sets were all excellent and well-managed as were the props. The costumes were all of a very high standard and I particularly liked the ones in “Beauty School Dropout”. The Lighting and sound quality throughout the performance was excellent. Well done to all the technical team!

Congratulations to Corby Amateur Theatrical Society, this was an outstanding opening night with any obvious problems.

Thank you C.A.T.S for a wonderful evening’s entertainment!

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