Grease

Wow Youth Musical Theatre GREASE,  

Review – Jo Wilson-Hunt Youth Coordinator Noda South West 

On behalf of Sylvia Coates  DISTRICT 11    15.4.22

Director /Choreographer Martine Burt

Musical Director Heather Reed

For a 40th Anniversary Year why not choose an iconic production like Grease to set the year off with a fizz and bang. The Wow kids as always opened with bounce and energy and we were soon transported to 1959 and the first day of the new term at Rydell High. Vocally sound throughout with great choreography executed with vigour the cast gave us the fun expected this piece of theatre. The ‘Burger Palace Boys’ were truly on form with cheek and comradery, they were so naturally in sync with one another. Highlights were certainly ‘Those Magic Changes’ and ‘Mooning’; neither of which feature in the well-known movie other than as incidental backing, but in the musical gives depth to Doody, Roger and Jan’s characters, and these three certainly understood who they were and why they were integral to the story. 

The situation due to the pandemic has had a huge impact on societies across the country, moving from the studio to Zoom and back again, and having to understudy cast to ensure cohesion in rehearsal has been a challenge. But, each member of the company was committed and having an absolute ball with the material and were obviously excited by every aspect of being back on the Pavilion stage. The rawness of the relationships and encounters that occur in this teenage tale were captured through the essence and innocence of a teenager’s view of the 50’s, and this endeared the show to its audience. Talent is abounding with Wow and the seniors who have now moved on have certainly handed on the baton to safe hands. I look forward to my next visit.

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