Grease

WOW! Where do you start a review when you’re blown away by such a star studded production?

Securing the performing rights for this show was a well guarded secret at first but drew massive support when finally going to press with a resounding sell-out week and hundreds waiting for returns.

Grease was the perfect comeback show for this youthful company with a plethora of talent to cast the show. 

The production team, Jeff and Marie, having a long standing association with GAOS, made their mark as always. Jeff celebrating 30 years and Marie 15 years. I’m certain a very proud achievement for them both, and a lucky company to have them.

In the iconic opening number, ‘Grease is the Word’, a simple star cloth was the perfect backdrop for an exiting and lively introduction to the young company. The Rydell cheerleaders made their own special mark. The older and support members donned rolled wigs, gowns and appropriate Rydell Staff attire, in support numbers such as ‘Rydell Alma Mater’ perfectly led by the prissy Miss Lynch (Barbara Shiel) and ‘Beauty School Dropout’, sung by Teen Angel (Luke Dalrymple). 

The high standard of vocal ability from all the well rehearsed soloists, duos, students, gangs, cheerleaders and ensemble created a show of back to back hits with tremendous harmonies. 

The perfectly cast Sandy, (Laurie Coburn), shone in her role. From innocence to sassy, she played the part superbly. As an accomplished vocalist, her rendition of ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ was outstanding and emotional, as was ‘It’s Raining on Prom Night’, duetting with a beautiful radio voice (Olivia Allan). Sandy proved to also be a slick mover in the finale make-over of the show stopping, ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘We Go Together. In her first role at GAOS this young lady has certainly made her mark. 

The Pink Ladies characterised their very different individual roles with star studded professionalism. Rizzo (Rhianne Miller), Marti (Esther Presslie), Jan (Josie Paterson) and Frenchy (Jess Thomson).

Rizzo drew every ounce of comedy, insecurity and aggression from her role, which she embraced as the leader of The Pink Ladies. In the mocking, ‘Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee’, she and the girls had great fun with the bedroom number. Her solo ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’, was outstanding.

Marti led the girls and backing singers in a stunning ‘Freddy My Love’, while Jan more than ably partnered Roger in ‘Mooning’. Frenchy in her quirky, ditsy characterisation shone throughout and they all kept an immaculate accent as well as all being accomplished dancers. Well done girls!

Sandy’s love interest Danny, was excellently played by James Bennett. As leader of the T Birds, his account of ‘Summer Nights’ proved his right to the leading role and he never faltered in his heart-rending solo, ‘Sandy’, to great applause. 

The vocal harmonies produced by the T Birds was astounding. As a gang, they were immense, with many superb highlights from individuals.

Kenickie (Dan Wilson) had the right amount of bold, brash cheekiness of a loveable rogue. With his masterful characterisation, dynamic moves and powerful vocals he led the famously popular ‘Grease Lightening’, which absolutely raised the roof.

Doody (Matthew Wear), with guitar in hand led the fabulous number ‘Those Magic Changes’. Joined by T Birds including Sonny (Alasdair Jeffrey) their slick and clever choreography proved that each one of the boys could not only sing but dance superbly too. 

Doody was joined by Roger (Lewis Wilde) for the show-stopping ‘Rock ’n Roll Party Queen’ number which was another stand-out song. Such naturally talented dancers who both oozed charisma in their harmonic pairing.  Roger’s solo shining moment in ‘Mooning’, heard him hitting the high notes with amazing ease as he duetted with Jan.

Support roles Patty (Grace Gilbert) and Eugene (Simon Thomson) deserve special mention for their outstanding eye-catching portrayals. 

Roddy Graham aged up well to play Vince Fontaine and Oliver Grant led the company in the upbeat ‘Hand Jive’, which made a stunning reprise to end the evening, with a standing ovation from the audience.

HUGE Congratulations and worthy elebrations to everyone involved.  

A Special after show mention to the many recipients of NODA Awards which it was an honour to present. Over 600 years worth of dedicated service to amateur theatre. Congratulations! 

Thank you for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.

 

 

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