Grease

Presented by the youth section KODYS, Grease is a high-energy, 1950s-era musical about high school sweethearts Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski. Set in 1959 at Rydell High School, the story follows their struggles with teenage rebellion, peer pressure, and shifting identities as Danny’s tough-guy persona clashes with Sandy’s "good girl" image.

As we entered the auditorium, we were welcomed with music of the era and posters of the main principals to put us right in the mood. The set on two levels approached by stairs left and right proved to be very versatile with simple changes to a central piece of backcloth and or furniture, depicting for example, the school, the  Burger Palace and the drive-in movie. The infamous teacher Miss Lynch, well played by Molly Strong, announced the normal pre-show notes for the audience - obviously not one to be messed with! The opening full company number ‘Grease is the Word’ was well choreographed and set a good level of energy.

As the Pink Ladies and separately the guys meet up after the Summer we are introduced to the main characters. Jan, well played by Jessica Bradbury made an instant impression with her characterisation, clearly enjoyed her food, and everyone else’s, if given a chance. Betty Rizzo (Charley Smith) the leader of the Pink Ladies,  was a bit of a sarcastic rebel, Marty (Darcy Hill) a bright and glamorous flirt, Frenchy (Larna Richards)  a bubbly beauty schooler and Patty (Imogen Maybury) a totally enthusiastic cheer leader, were all strong characters with good presence.

Frenchy brings a new student Sandy to the group and this was very well played by  Roxie Jordan. Her sweet and innocent demeanour were just right, equalled by the attractive contrast later.  Sandy has met Danny Zuko during the Summer  and when they meet up by surprise, their connection is initially endearing, until Danny realises he needs to play it cool in front of his friends. Christopher Kemp provided an excellent portrayal of the differing moods throughout the story and they are both talented leads.

The other guys also worked together well and with their respective Pink Ladies. Kenickie (Myles Richards) a typical greaser, Roger (Harrison Bianco) enthusiastic and goofy, Sonny (Charlie Dancyger) a bit of  wise-cracker (acting big then loved his reaction to Miss Lynch), Doody (Lincoln Foley) tried to impress with his dodgy guitar playing and Eugene (Jamie Whitehouse) a wonderfully naïve nerd, all brought good presence to the stage.

The band led by Russell Painter gave great support and some of the stand out numbers in Act 1 included the well sung ‘Those Magic Changes’, ‘Greased Lightning’ with an impressive car, well-choreographed ‘Freddie My Love’, great fun in ‘Mooning’ and Rizzo’s strong voice in ‘Look at Me I’m Sandra Dee’.  ‘We Go Together’ was a good closing number to Act 1.

The tempo was maintained throughout Act 2 with more good choreography by Lois Stevens in ‘Shakin’ at the High School Hop’ and I particularly enjoyed Sandy’s  sensitive ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’. Danny Duffy (Teen Angel) proved to have a fine voice with ‘Beauty School Dropout’ and there was impressive singing by Kemp and Jordan in ‘You’re the one that I want’. I’ve already mentioned the transformation of Sandy, but I can add a similarly impressive transformation of Eugene too! There was also good support from Finley Stanier (Coach), Billy Brooks (Vince Fontaine), Lilly Hickman (Cha Cha) and Scott Denton (Johnny Casino).

The stage was well lit and costumes and wigs were very good. Directors Scott Denton and Hayley Jordan and the rest of the production team should be very pleased with the opening night’s enthusiastic ovation. Well done everyone.

Bruce Wyatt – Regional Representative district 10

Since becoming Regional Councillor for the West Midlands, I have looked forward to attending productions by Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Association (KODS and KODYS) and Carpet Traders Musical Theatre Company. The coming together of these two high-quality societies has resulted in the formation of Kidderminster Musical Theatre Company.

Due to other commitments, it appeared I was unfortunately going to miss this production of Grease. I was therefore delighted to be invited to attend the dress rehearsal on the day before opening night.

Apart from the absence of an audience (with full houses throughout the run) and the taking of rehearsal photographs, nothing about the evening suggested this was anything other than a performance. It was immediately apparent the production was more than ready to be presented to a paying audience.

The cast delivered an energetic and engaging performance throughout. Vocals were clear and well balanced, while the choreography captured both the style and energy of the show.

There was good use of the visual elements, including the photographs around the proscenium arch and the effective use of minimal scenery. Scene changes were slick and well executed, including the movement of Grease Lightnin' (the car) which worked particularly well even at the dress rehearsal stage.

Thank you for the invitation to attend the dress rehearsal, and congratulations to everyone involved on what was clearly a highly successful production. I look forward to hearing about your next show.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing Now That's What I Call A Musical.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

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