GREASE

We first met Sandy and Danny in spots singing a short phrase to set the scene and then we were off to 1959. The majority of this cast are 14 years old, but there was no hint of immaturity from the off. The Pink ladies showed the sass and the ‘Burger Palace Boys ‘had the cheek which put them in total contrast to the preppy Patty, Eugene and their classmates. We knew who was who from the moment they began singing the opening number and already character traits were in evidence and these grew scene on scene. Soon we met the sweet sensible Sandy, sweet and wholesome as expected, singing sweetly and swept off her feet by Danny Zuko, who had a cheeky twinkle in his eye, torn between feelings for the ‘girl next door’ and his gang. Obviously, we all know the outcome, but it was fun to watch it unfold, these two were well matched and the ups and downs of their romance was beautifully drawn.

The ’Burger Palace Boys’ presented us with lots of fun and the play on Sonny being such a ladies’ man but totally missing the mark caused much hilarity.  ‘Those Magic Changes’ and ‘Mooning’; neither of which feature in the well-known movie were real highlights and the boys were obviously having a ball. The self-assured and sassy Betty Rizzo was a force to be reckoned with along with her Pink Ladies, her physicality and the use of a look was all that was needed to know exactly what she was thinking, Kenickie certainly had to be on his toes in their relationship. Jan and Rogers’ awkward flirtation was adorable, and Frenchie and Marty showed the awkwardness of trying to be grown ups well before their time. The supporting characters and cast all had well drawn characteristics, each one an individual and this made the performance more believable.  

Vocally sound throughout with great choreography executed with vigour the cast gave us the fun expected from this fun piece of theatre. A total pleasure which the audience thoroughly enjoyed ….Congratulations to all.

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