Grease
Information
- Date
- 6th October 2023
- Society
- Gillingham Dramatic Society Productions
- Venue
- Central Theatre Chatham
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Rachal-C Herbert
- Musical Director
- Owen McColgan
- Choreographer
- Jamie Knights
Grease opened at the New London Theatre (now Gillian Lynne Theatre) in June 1973 starring Richard Gere (yes Superman) and Stacey Gregg, I saw this production way back then, I have seen many productions since, and yes, I have been in it in 1990 at this same theatre, playing Johnny Casino. I remember that fondly and singing ‘The Hand Jive” believe it or not?
Before Grease became a popular movie, it was just another high school musical, it is now a darker stage musical with a real feel of teenage years and delinquency, and it works better. ‘Grease’ definitely has a fun energy to it, and all of the cast have a great chemistry and camaraderie between them in this GDS production this week at the Central Theatre. We could not ask for a better production team in Director Rachel-C Herbert, Musical Director Owen McColgan and Chorographer Jamie Knights. The minute Musical Director Owen nodded his head, and that iconic overture started he had the audience on his side. Owen and his band were, as usual, superlative and Owen should be proud of his musical direction of his cast up there on stage, they certainly made this Grease very professional indeed, followed by the entire cast in the opening scene and giving us a taste of what’s to come.
Jamie Knight's authentic 50s choreography is so good one wants to get up and dance the night away. There are not a lot of male choreographers to be had in my NODA area, and Jamie should be at the top of the list, well done to him and his energetic cast for keeping the energy and perfection up throughout. Perfect just perfect. Rachel-C Herbert, an accomplished singer and actor, and now one of Medway’s top directors for your direction of this Grease. Is there anything you can’t do in the theatre. Your magnitude in direction is now set. Your expanse of knowledge of direction certainly showed. There was a lot of hard work by your cast to bring this Grease to fruition and it paid off, thank you.
The cast of this Grease was carefully cast by Rachel, Owen and Jamie they couldn’t have chosen better performers and what talent they had. Danny and Sandy (Adam Waters) and (Rachael Champ) led this cast, and lead they did, both in singing and acting skills they were both suited to each other, they sailed though with such perfection. Kenickie (Aidan Harwood) and Rizzo (Carly Harwood) had no problems with those kisses did they, and Carly’s voice is so dynamic. Sonny (Jamie Knights) and Rhea Baker as Marty gave us great solid performances and characterisation was just right. Patty, Cha Cha and Frenchy (Amelia O’Shea, Nicole Baker and Cole Gillespie) made up the team of girls and they all had their own little characters in place, great. Roger (Conor Whittaker) and Jan (Emma Constantine): Emma you certainly had that part sewn up, your comedy for Jan excelled, you were so so funny and Conor your duet with Doody (Joel Blundell) in Rock’n’roll Party Queen was just awesome, harmonies were so good well done to both. Miss Lynch (Aimee Knight) well well what a lovely part for you, as the grumpy head of Rydell High you certainly took control, great part Aimee. Vince Fontaine (Scott Highway): Scott being a seasoned singer and actor took this role under his wing and gave us a sterling performance as per usual. Teen Angel (Stu Grace Hicks) what a part for you, I couldn’t believe my eyes, where did that come from? You hit us in face and that voice. Wow. Two little cameo roles that I must mention: Nancy (Ellie Boardman) sitting there on the side of the stage all alone singing your heart out, it made me well up. Well done, Ellie. Eugene (Joe Warrilow) the geeky misfit, and it showed in your ownership of this cameo role. Johnny Casino (Jason Lodoiska) good to see you again onstage, albeit short but you made your presence known. The ensemble of singers and dancers included Harry, Harrison, Zoey, Jayne, Jenna, Judy, Tonia, Georgia, Laura and Maria.
Sound was perfect for the Central. Costumes were to period executed wonderfully by Tonia Plowman with Josie Stone and Zoe Small to help. Also props were in period too: Gerald Flanagan and Larry Davis. The whole thing was being taken care of by Stage Manager Chloe Golding.
Thank you GDS for inviting my guest and me. Needless to say you can see we enjoyed this production of Grease. Oh by the way, part of this was written at 3.30 in the morning. You wake me up with ideas that’s how much Grease was on my mind.
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