Grease

GREASE The Musical is probably the best-known musical of its time.    The book, music and lyrics were written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey for the original 1971 stage musical.    Briefly, the story follows the romance and adventures of Sandy and Danny who, after a summer romance, are reunited at school.   Both have differing memories of their romance and as the story unfolds, high school life is played out through high energy dance routines, dramatic emotional moments and a raft of well known and very hummable songs.

The programme was glossy, colour and the front cover showed the back view of one of the T-birds and a Pink Lady.  There were welcome messages from the Head of School and the Director.   Throughout the programme – which had a strong pink theme – there were many photos of rehearsals, dress rehearsals, details and photos of the promotional film and background information about the artistic direction and costume design.  There were two casts and there were photos of both the Hot Rods and Soda Pops and full cast list of all involved.    Miss Mobbs gave some background detail on the choreography and a page was also devoted to the Community Choir and Band with a brief biography of the Musical Director.

The set was multi-level with various scenes created on the upper level, either side of the stage with an entrance towards the centre back of the performance area.  There were stairs either side allowing access for the massive supporting cast.    School canteen benches, the bleachers and a bed for the sleep-over scene were assembled quickly.    Props were amazing: period radios, tv camera, microphone, guitar and fantastic centre piece of ‘Greased Lightning’, the car. The transformation from Wreck to supercar taking place behind a wall of dancers!    Other props included pom poms for the cheer leaders and the set decoration was constantly changing in line with the story from the hall for the Hand Jive competition with banners of flags/stars, lights and a glitterball. 

The costumes were amazing and there was so many of them!  There were fifties' dresses, the Pink Ladies and T-Birds outfits, sparkly jacket for Vince Fontain, a beautiful gown for teen angel as well as an abundance of white t-shirts and red skirts.    For the hand-jive scene there were some stunning dresses in a multitude of colours and styles but all complementing one another and the effect was visually stunning.      

Lighting was used on all levels, the floor, above and footlights.   There was great use of smoke throughout including the arrival of the teen angel and this added to her ethereal presence.    The pink and blue lighting that accompanied Sandy’s “Hopelessly devoted to you” went nicely with her dress.       Unfortunately, the headlights on the car ‘Greased Lightning’ were very bright for me in the front row – but they were also very effective!

This production was a massive community effort with the cast being made up not only of students from Perins but also the local community choir and pupils from local primary schools.   With the band and the various groups, this was a truly collaborative production.   There were powerful vocals from all.  The sound was good, overall, but on occasion the sound level favoured the backing singers and made the principal difficult to hear.    The performers were all totally involved and engaged in the action at all times.   The actor playing Rizzo (Soda Pops company) showed great maturity and emotion during her ‘There are worse things I could do solo”.    Sandy’s solo “Hopelessly devoted to you” was also a highlight.     The energetic numbers including ‘Greased Lightning”, You’re the one that I want” and “The Born to Handjive” were fun, had flamboyant choreography and the energy from it, filled the room.   The backstage crew showed great skill in the efficient and sometimes complicated logistics involved in a production of this scope.   Everyone involved in this production should be enormously proud to have achieved such a spectacular show.   In spite of the intense heat the cast and crew showed great self-discipline in producing an evening of first-class entertainment.

 

 

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