Grease

Grease – This non-stop show had the audience spell-bound throughout.  The story based around the ups and downs of an American High School’s senior class involves the Greasers and the Pink Ladies and illustrates the influence of peer pressure.  The show is full of memorable numbers – ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightning’, ‘Sandy’ and ‘You’re the One I Want’ to name a few.

The programme’s centrefold full of pictures is thoroughly appreciated and the smiley faces encourage a warm feeling towards the show before it even starts. The layout of the programme provides a guided tour of the production.  All the essential information is there and easy to read – not a common feature in many programmes.  The exuberance of the Society comes shining out of the pages.

The staging was simple but effective.  Having said that I am sure the accomplishment of each scene was far from simple.  The use of projections to change the location of each scene was most realistic.  Whilst there are often essential pieces of scenery required, such as the beautiful car, it shows that less is often more.  To quote my own words “All the technical aspects of the show were dealt with very professionally and helped to make the show move effortlessly.”

Amongst the principals there was not a single weak link.  Danny Zukko played by Stuart Frank, maintained his macho image and captured the dual emotions of the role of boyfriend and leader of the ‘Greasers’.  His opposite number, Sandy Dumbrowski, was played by Grace Campbell who transformed from a ‘newbie’ to a ‘greaser’s dream girl’ with such style. Claire Plumridge took on the role of Rizzo.  Her vocal delivery was special in her solos and the characterisation was spot on.  Ewan Wharton as Keneckie certainly was the leader of the pack for ‘Greased Lightning’.  T-Bird Roger was played by Anthony Davies who had stepped in a week before the opening night.  If an announcement had not been made the audience would have had no idea, so good was his timing and assured manner bringing a high degree of humour to the role.  Whilst it is hard not to mention everyone full credit must be given to every member of the cast each of whose contribution was vital to the whole production.

High praise should go to the production team in all its various forms.  Valerie Tucker held a tight rein on her very talented orchestra which enabled the cast to perform very comfortably and the audience to appreciate the words delivered with such clarity.  The choreographer, Helen Wallis must be a magician.  The choreography was very impressive, and her true talent must be for getting the cast to achieve such a high standard of performance with such complicated and professional looking moves.  The stage manager, Neil Brant and his team performed their tasks very smoothly through all their scene changes.  Sam Sampson, the director, created a very polished performance of this famous musical with some creative and innovative ideas thrown in.

Overall a very polished performance by this very talented cast and crew. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.

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