Grease

A very popular choice with Youth Groups and one which attracts large audiences,as was the case with this production.

A great feature of the show was the ensemble singing which was very good,supported by an excellent band setting great tempo’s, it sounded very well balanced and tuneful.

One or two of the soloists had a few issues with losing tone in their solo’s, which can be due to nerves, and at this time of the year due to people being affected by coughs and colds, but generally all the songs were well  sung and presented.

I felt that the “Guys” bonded well together and “Greased Lighting” was a particularly well presented number and very well sung, as was “We go Together”.

I would have liked more of the guys to have had rather more slicked back hair to be in the style of the show,there were a few attempts, but not all of the guys hair looked quite right.

The ladies costumes were very good and in the correct period.I especially liked the efforts with “bangs” (fringes on the forehead) which was so popular with teenagers then.

With a large cast it is impossible to comment on each and every character, but I felt that Alex Lockert as the male lead Danny gave a good account of his character with a very good singing voice, and in her first principal lead Meredith Jones as Sandy did very well ,sung beautifully and looked the part.

Patti played by Gabrielle Tyler deserves a mention,very effervescent  in her character which was fun,as was the delightful James Hooker as Eugene,a great part to play.Well done.

FIona Chatten as Rizzo looked every bit the character and has a powerful voice, but with her solo I felt rather more movement would have added to the number which was rather static.

Miss Lynch was so good played by Katie Leech, who I thought got right into her character from the very start ,and Tyler Harbin did well as Roger/Teen Angel.

A good strong singing voice which with a little more vocal coaching would really extend Roger’s vocal range.

It is well to remember that with many months of work on a show the cast know all the songs and  all the dialogue, but the audience may not so it is very important to project well for the audience to appreciate all that is being said and sung, and also at times to slow the dialogue down.

Whether major principals or just small cameo parts really feel your lines, and do not be afraid to get your feelings over to the audience, whether in a comedy role or playing the romantic lead, it then makes the character so real to people watching.

The show was well cast, and the costumes looked good ,Well done to the wardrobe team, and also the scenery and lighting worked so well.

I am sure a tremendous amount of hard work went into the show by Chris,Nik and team which paid off with a lively bright production.Well done to you all.

 I look forward to your next production and wish you all the very best for 2015.

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