Grease

Set in the 1950’s this iconic musical has been a firm favourite both as a film and as a stage musical.

A packed, excited auditorium was buzzing in anticipation of what was to come with an audience ready to enjoy the much loved musical numbers which would be familiar to most . They most certainly were not to be let down.

The score of Grease requires vitality and verve and this was in abundance by all on stage.The dynamic choreography was quite magnificent and captured the era exactly. ‘We Go Together’, ‘Greased Lightnin'’ and the ‘Hand Jive’ were sensational and mesmerising with every cast member oozing energy with never a foot or hand out of place. Even with such complex movement, the ensemble singing soared through the auditorium.

Greg McCafferty Thomson was the perfect Danny Zuko - dashing, dapper, vocally strong and what a mover! He absolutely embodied the role. While trying to be the macho man acting cool with the Burger Palace Boys, his true feelings for Sandy were put across beautifully in the solo number ‘Sandy’ sung from the heart. Zoe Brookes conveyed a real innocence and vulnerability as Sandy as she tried to fit in with the Pink Ladies and not succumb to the peer pressure involving smoking, drinking and sex. ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ was delivered with real sincerity. The transformation from the shy, retiring Sandy to the leather clad, raunchy Sandy was most appealing. Greg and Zoe complemented each other extremely well.

The very strong cast of Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys each developed their own distinct personalities and gave sparkling performances. Alasdair Davidson portrayed a real ‘Jack the lad’ Kenickie proud of his new/old car. With a powerful singing voice, he led ‘Greased Lightnin’ with utter conviction. Rebecca Drever, Rizzo, the leader of the Pink Ladies was played with aplomb conveying the tough but often misunderstood character extremely forcefully but no more so than when singing ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ which was strong and hard hitting.

Anna Spence and Andrew Hally were an endearing couple, Jan and Roger. Anna full of fun and exuberance and Andrew with a real twinkle in his eye especially when he was ‘Mooning.’

Rock star wannabe Doody was in the most capable hands of Joe Purcell who has a real charisma and who rocked the stage with Roger in ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Queen’ at Jan’s party.

Imogen Wright gave a larger than life performance as Frenchy who earned our sympathy but who was consoled by Teen Angel, Mark Wilson, who was in superb voice in one of the show’s highlights ‘Beauty School Drop Out’. Sally Cairns made an excellent job of the somewhat loud mouthed Marty while Sean Vannet was a brawny Sonny always trying to impress the girls. The rather overpowering Patty was very well played by Fiona Scott as was Dominic Lewis’ somewhat nerdy Eugene I did very much enjoy Dominic’s interpretation of the role.

There are many supporting characters in this musical and each individual gave a wonderful performance. David Bartholomew, who has perfect diction, came across extremely well as the slightly sleazy Vince Fontaine and his radio girls Paris Afshar, Lyndsey McGhee and Eilidh Todd were a fabulous trio whose harmonies were first class. Stacy Scott looked amazing as the flirtatious Cha Cha while Amy King was a staunch Miss Lynch. Donald Randall, Johnny Casino, absolutely brought the party to life with his superb ‘Hand Jive’.

Dynamic and vivacious from start to finish this was a most exuberant, high energy production. Colourful costumes, both men and girls hairstyles were absolutely in keeping with the period and lit up the stage. Scene changes were slick and neatly handled, The small band of seven were obviously enjoying playing this score and were generally in fine form although they may have been a little over enthusiastic at times overpowering the singers.

This was a truly awesome production with most impressive performances by an extremely talented cast. The final ‘We Go Together Reprise‘ was mind blowing and had the audience joining in enthusiastically. It was wonderful to see HOUSE FULL notices for each performance which was well received by audiences who, if they were anything like me, felt exhausted just watching! Superb and most certainly ‘Electrifying’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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