Grease

This is one of the shows that not only has a following but audience expectations.  This can often produce a stilted production as everyone strives to capture the traditional performance values.  BMTC did not fall into this trap although presenting the show in an acceptable and recognisable way.  The generally young cast brought a vitality which is a requirement of the score, while presenting the dialogue with some level of reality which ensured that the audience’s attention was held throughout.  It is always difficult when the audience knows what the actor is going to say before he/she says it, but the bright pace ensured that there were no interruptions.    

The well-loved score was delivered with verve, enhanced by the quality of the backing track and the generally excellent diction.  Aided by good sound quality, the audience was drawn into the fun of the score and all the well-known numbers were given their full measure.  Particularly pleasing was that despite being so well-known the numbers were not simply sung, but given some light and shade and in some cases personal interpretation bringing the score alive.  It was good to hear the cast singing rather than forcing their voices and tuning benefited from this.   The balance provided by Seventh Wave Audio was excellent throughout and at a volume at which the words could be heard.

Intelligent use was made of the stage area with scenes running fairly smoothly into each other.  There is often a continuity problem with this libretto, but Mel Draper had considered this and the set design was appropriate to the needs of the actors and the limitations of the venue.  Changes were efficiently and smoothly handled and the whole was lit sympathetically.

The production was well planned with considerable attention to detail.  This cannot be underestimated and certainly added to the overall enjoyment of the piece.  Properties were appropriate, hairstyles and make-up in keeping with the period of the piece and clothes appropriately worn.  All too often it is clear that the actors don’t wear such items normally and so look awkward, but here everything was handled well.  Every department came together to create the “right feel”.

The dancing was appropriately energetic with the boys matching the girls with the usual moves mixed with some bright imaginative choreography.  The choice of steps and routines matched the mood of the individual numbers and emphasised the youthful effervescence of the score.  Most of the cast were able to maintain the routines accurately and the overall effect was very exciting.   It was good to see the cast enjoying their participation in the numbers and no simply going through the motions.

The Chairman made it clear that the show was chosen to suit the members as well as provide high class entertainment for the locals.  Along with the Director, he must have been pleased that the roles could be filled so successfully.  Danny & his mates created a great team in which every individual developed their own character but worked with the others to produce a believe group of friends.  There was plenty of natural interaction between them which made them truly delightful.  Their ensemble work was very good and where solos were required they were, on the whole, tuneful and well conceived. 

The boys were well matched by a stunning team of girls who captured the varied characters with honesty and clarity.  They managed to be irritating and loveable in equal measure and certainly had the upper hand over the boys.

The many supporting characters were well played with the Director ensuring that no role was simply there to make up the numbers, but each was given relevance and purpose.  This kept the pace strong and the story clear.  Every moment was given consideration and so the presentation kept the audience’s attention.  There was a clear feeling of team work about everyone’s contributions. 

The strengths of this presentation were the attention to detail, the clear diction and the complete commitment of cast and crew.  Although it would be difficult to fail with this much loved musical, it can suffer from being pedantic and stuck in previous versions.  BMTC certainly didn’t fall into that trap keeping the pace high, the visuals kaleidoscopic and the vocals tight.  A thoroughly entertaining evening presented with appropriate youthful verve.    

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