Grease

This classic most well known show was reinvented by the Director Hannah Davenport placing it as The Class of 2016 therefore setting it current day. It is always a brave decision to change settings/times and characters especially with such iconic shows. In the main this was brilliant and worked very well. I particularly liked the use of modern technology and the change of Marty and Doody from each gang being played by the opposite sex. Obviously the script cannot be changed and this for me is where some of the updating didn’t work. Much of the referencing (Troy Donahue, Pat Boone) isn’t relevant in 2016 along with the use of record players (despite the retro angle).

The set on this production looked effective with steps leading either side from a top balcony with graffiti covered steps and walls. There were double doors underneath where the car came partially through the doors. The scenes with the car (which didn’t transform into something better) looked untidy as the car was only pushed front through and the doors then leant against the sides of the car. The scenes in the car were blocked by the windshield area and lighting restrictions so for the drive in scene neither Danny or Sandy were fully visible. I loved the use of the area in front of the stage for full on company numbers.

This was a super talented cast who all sounded stunning. This script is difficult for certain characters to display real emotions and for me Danny and Sandy rarely convince me they are in love. Georgia Taylor worked hard on her British accent but it sounded odd among the American ones especially when singing but this was clearly a directional decision and not the Georgia herself. Georgia’s vocals however were beautiful and suited the score really well.  Haroun Jedall looked and sounded the part of Danny and worked hard to portray the lovesick teen as he sang and danced his way through the part.

Katherine Farrow was fabulous as Rizzo with stunning vocals and great acting. Isobel Parkin as Frenchy and Ellie McCloughlin as Jan put in super performances with lovely vocals and characterisations. The star of the Pink Ladies for me was Tom Kehoe as Marty who lit up the stage every time he was on it. I loved the role reversal which worked brilliantly.

James Scanlon as Kenickie looked and sounded great and I enjoyed the emotional side of this character which was really well portrayed by James. Keavy Smith made a great Doody with lovely vocals on “Those Magic Changes” and again with a role reversal which fitted well. Lucca Chadwick Patel was a fab Sonny who played the not too bright character with charm. Frank Wililams completed the T Birds with a fantastic performance as Roger and “Moonin” with Ellie as Jan was so lovely with great harmonies.

The other cast members all stepped up and performed well and a couple of call outs for notable performances go to Dominic Dunne as Vince Fontaine and Mason Thomas as Teen Angel as both had lovely vocal performances on their solo pieces.

Musically the whole cast had clearly been worked hard by Paul Firth as MD with some wonderful solos and gorgeous company numbers. The choreography looked fabulous, suited the numbers and was well drilled by first time Choreographer Molly France who has come through the ranks with Next Generation at Mossley. She worked to people strengths and every number worked excellently. Well done Molly.

The change of direction on this production worked well and was brave to attempt on such an iconic show.

Overall this was a fabulous production and everyone involved should be very proud of their achievements.

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