Grease

Grease – most famous of course as a 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John – started life as a 1971 Chicago-set stage show.  The version presented by the Norbury Players was a combination of the two, adding songs that were written for the movie to those from the original soundtrack.  This made for an intriguing night, as 50s standards rubbed shoulders with more familiar fare such as ‘You’re the One That I Want’.

As the curtains opened onto Rydell High, we were welcomed by a good set, which turned out to be ingeniously flexible in order to represent the school entrance, the outdoor bleachers, a bedroom, a picnic spot, a burger palace, a hairdressing salon, and a drive-in.  The transformations between scenes were efficiently made by the backstage team, led by Jesse Dutton and Adam Weston, and for novelty value I don’t think I’ve ever seen the stage swept by someone on roller skates before!  An effort that received a well-deserved round of applause from the audience.

We were soon introduced to the Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys (causing momentary confusion for those of us expecting to see the T-Birds!)  The Pink Ladies were led by Hayley Gass as the confident, cocky Rizzo, with Marty (a sparkly Grace Duggan, shining in her solo ‘Freddy My Love’), Jan (a bubbly showing from Hayley Marshall) and Frenchy (Abii Ward, in a strong, natural performance) trailing along in her wake. 

On the other side of the bleachers were the Burger Palace Boys, led by Jacob Tagg’s strutting alpha male, Kenickie.  Also in his gang we met Doody (Bradley Hemming, who enjoyed a nice solo number in ‘Those Magic Changes’), Roger (Jake Jones, forming a sweetly charming double act with Jan) and Sonny (Elliot Fitzhugh, full of youthful energy and the odd inappropriate comment!) 

Into this melting pot of youthful hormones stepped our two leads – Burger Palace Boy Danny Zuko (David Bradley) and school newcomer Sandy Dumbroski (Laura Pullen).  It’s no exaggeration to say that any performance of Grease is likely to stand or fall on the strength of these two performances, and I’m happy to say that from the moment they hit the climactic notes of ‘Summer Nights’ it was clear that we were in safe hands.  From Danny’s feigned insouciance and nervous ticks, to Sandy’s wide-eyed, ingénue innocence, all of the expected character beats were present and correct.  I thought they particularly shone in the solo numbers such as ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘Sandy’.  This was a theme continued in Hayley Gass’ strong delivery of ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ and the archly humorous ‘Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee’.

It wasn’t all about the solos, though, as a strong supporting cast and ensemble ensured that the group numbers also had a strong impact.  ‘Greased Lightning’ – sung in this version by Kenickie – saw a very clever transformation of the car; Born to Hand Jive showcased some intricate, well executed movement; and the Act 1 closer ‘We Go Together’ was full of brightness, fun and energy.  I also really liked the cheerleader dance section – well done to Rhiannon Clarke, who choreographed with clear nods to 1950s dance moves throughout.

There were some good turns in the supporting cast, with Mary Jane Peace and Ryan Simcock bringing out the awkwardness and enthusiasm of Patty and Eugene respectively.  Lois Press made a strong impression as the dance queen Cha Cha, whilst Lisa Jones was just right as the fussy teacher Miss Lynch.  Meanwhile, Steve Peace and Paul Steele made merry with the fun roles of Johnny Casino and Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel. 

Director Tony Catchpowle, returning to the Norbury for this production, kept the action moving effectively and did a good job of involving the ensemble to help generate the feel of a bustling high school.  Musical director Ben Thompson led a very good, rocking nine-piece band, who were on show throughout at the rear of the stage.  There were occasions where I struggled to hear some of the singers, particularly during group numbers like ‘Summer Nights’.  But when it all came together, for example in the opening rendition of ‘Grease’, the humorously staged ‘Beauty School Dropout’ and the riotous finale, the Norbury’s production soared. 

There were a large number of bright, 50s style costumes on show, which really helped to elevate the presentation.  Huge congratulations to Ali Chorley and Grace Duggan for their efforts in this area.  Lighting too was well managed, although there were some dark spots, particularly near the beginning (not sure whether there were some gremlins in the works on the night I attended?)  We were also treated to a ‘Twi-Light Horror Movie’ at the Drive-in, directed and produced by Jimmy Hill.  This was almost too effective, risking upstaging the performers sitting in their cars (another nice bit of design) during the pivotal scene in which Sandy appeared to reject Danny once and for all. 

But, of course, all was eventually resolved happily, as Sandy discovered her inner rock chick, and the various Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys were partnered up.  There was final treat, as the curtain call included some charming choreography and well-conceived tableaux, bringing the evening to a most successful conclusion.  Well done to the Norbury Players, and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.