Grease

Grease is always a popular choice for Youth to perform and this occasion was no exception.

This was a huge production with over 50 youngsters and teenagers taking part to promote this wonderful musical set in Rydell High where many memories of the 50’s sprang to life. As there were two casts of Pink Ladies, I went to see both casts with one character doubling up among the Palace Burger Boys. 

The set was beautifully designed for smooth transport from one scene to the next with just one or two pauses, and costumes and hairstyles were very 50’s. Great to see a live band, and St David’s College must be justly proud that four of the instrumentalists were from the College, Thomas Hay, Rebecca Knock, Elowyn Ryznar and Tom Coxon. 

A rousing opening from the whole company with the title number ‘Grease’ made us sit up and take note from the start. Rebellious self-elected leader of the Burger Palace Boys, Danny, was skilfully played by Finn Rose who gave the impression of this confident, popular with the girls’ teenager, coped well with both script and score. Talented Oliver Pearce sporting sunglasses, took the role of Kenicke, Danny’s deputy, with ease. He brought a strong, don’t mess with me, but relaxed attitude to his role. Dylan Thompson-Jenkins as Doody, was always seeking popularity, trying to keep up with the other members of the Burger Palace Boys, which was evident in his character. Flynn Thomas-Morgan as Sonny took the role of the ducking and diving member of the gang with aplomb, whilst Archie Davies in the role of mischief maker, Roger, fully justified his place with the Burger Palace Boys, dealing well with all his tasks. Good contribution to the piece from Corey Farr as Eugene whose confidence with the gang grew as the musical progressed. I witnessed Harry Isaacs in the role of Johnny Casino on my first visit and Hudson Deveney-Douglas on my second visit, both attaining a very high standard of performance.  The role of Vince Fontaine was in the hands of Oliver Andrew, whilst it was great to see the cameo role of Teen Angel performed by Old Davidean Charlie Russell.

On my first visit Amelie Russell portrayed a naive Sandy, coping well with all her musical numbers and bringing out Sandy’s true feelings for Danny. Full marks to Lucy Duncalf who portrayed Sandy at alternative performances, attaining a very high standard in all her tasks. Both teenagers put their own stamp on the character, which was confirmed by the accolade both of them received from the appreciative audience. One could see that both of them revelled in Sandy’s change of character at the end of Act 2. Well Done Amelie and Lucie. Bella Russell, as Rizzo, sultry but feisty leader of the Pink Ladies was present at all performances. Her experience in stage craft was evident throughout. Strong vocally and highlights were her rendition of ‘Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee’ and ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’. 

Lucie Webster and Amelie Goodwin shared the role of sophisticated Marty, both players enjoying their theatrical experience. Confident performances from Isabella Aubert and April Williams, who  were both happy sharing the role of Jan, who was vocal when with the Pink Ladies but lacked confidence when the Burger Palace boys were around. High hopes were on the minds of both Fleur Roberts and Teagan Girling, who alternated performances of Frenchie. She couldn’t wait to leave school and both performers created this atmosphere but gelled well with the Pink Ladies.

Athletic performances from Liv Goodwin and Ainslie Levine both portraying a very lively over the top Patty. Patty oozed with confidence which sometimes didn’t go well with the Pink Ladies. Both girls made the most of this energetic character, particularly the Cheerleaders scene. Olivia Bartwicki and Katleho Nkome both added flair to the production as dancer, Cha Cha, and Elin Lloyd Jones had her hand on all proceedings as Miss Lynch. Chorus of Rydell High Cheerleaders and Rydell High Boys and Girls were spot on in all their musical numbers. There were many chuckles from the audience throughout the Drive-In Scene in Act 2 which was filmed starring Members of the Staff.

Sometimes a tad crowded with the number on stage but nevertheless, everyone knew their tasks and carried them out without hesitation.

Congratulations to all concerned with this production in any way whatsoever. A nostalgic trip down my earlier ‘Rock & Roll’ days, a reminder of first love, and such happy times. 

Thank you, St David’s College, once again for your invitation.   

 

This is the opinion of the Reviewer      

 

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