GREASE

STAGEDRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

GREASE

DIRECTOR DAVID Mc NEILL

MUSICAL DIRECTOR ALISON BEDFORD

CHOREOGRAPHER KAREN WOODRUFF

 

Thank you for inviting me to review your production of Grease, it was lovely to see such a full house, and thank you on behalf of Phyllis and myself for giving us such an hospitable welcome.

The set certainly gave a late 1950’s, early 1960’s look and vibe. The cafe tables and chairs really took me back to my youth. The simplicity of the set enabled the production to move at a good pace throughout, this was achieved by the slick use of the trucks. The lighting added to the excitement of the piece and the sound was generally good. Credit must go to the wardrobe team, the costumes, shoes and hairstyles were in period throughout.

It was clear that the company were enjoying themselves. The energy and enthusiasm shown  by every single one of them was tangible throughout the performance. All the main principals gave strong convincing portrayals of their respective characters. The American accents and general demeanour were all very good and never over the top.

Aaron Halliwell, as Danny gave a suitably swaggering performance, his singing and dancing, despite his recent accident were on point throughout. The Greased Lightenin number led by Isaac Pullan, as Kenickie, along with the rest of the guys was excellent, not forgetting the car which was superb. Harry Mossop as Roger in his rendition of Moonin was very  good and really funny, well done. I really enjoyed the performance from Adam Cuninghame as super nerd Eugene, his comedy touches were well executed and not over the top. To be honest there wasn’t a weak link among the Guys.

Lizzy Trenell, as Sandy did all her musical numbers justice, the transformation from shy Sandy to extrovert Sandy, singing ‘Look at me I’m Sandra Dee’ and ‘You’re the one that I want’ was great. Jessica Crowther as Rizzo was outstanding, her characterisation of pushy leader of the pack teenager, never faltered. The delivery of her musical numbers matched this. Caitlin Edmondson in her role of Frenchy was excellent, and I particularly enjoyed Niall Siddaway as Teen Angel, singing ‘Beauty School Dropout’, that particular production was outstanding. To be honest, same as the Guys there wasn’t a weak ling among the Chicks.All the minor roles and ensemble numbers were equally well performed which made for a well rounded production.

The Musical Combo led by Alison Bedford looked and performed well. The Choreography by Karen Woodruff had a good 1950’s feel and style, and the ensemble numbers were always well synchronised. The last word must go to David McNeill, he has done it again, and given Carlisle an outstanding youth production.

CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of you.

  Ed McGee ( NODA North West 10 Rep)

     9/7/19

          

 

 

 

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