Grease The Musical

A warm welcome to a new venue for me with a vibrant atmosphere, good viewing a projected screen of Grease and good footage of the old rocker, with the kiss curl, Bill Haley and the Comets. Real nostalgia!

Rydell High return from their summer vacation to begin their final year and the 58 strong young cast members have prepared themselves for a most energetic and polished performance from them all. The artistic team Michael, Jodie and Carl have created a wonderful spectacle to be proud of.

The cool T-Birds interested in cars, chicks and hanging around in their uniform of jeans and initialled black leathers, collars up and the slicked back hair they just love to comb are a super cool gang and athletic Toby Lord as Danny Zuko no exception. Sandy Dumbrawski, exceptionally well characterised by Mitzi Tullett a new girl doesn’t fit in with the Pink Ladies, however they are keen to hear about her romance described in the great lyrics of ‘Summer Nights.’  Then surprise she and Danny are reunited only this ‘good girl’ relationship may spoil his image. The boys think it’s time to grow up and Kenickie has acquired a new car – a bit of a junk heap really but  think it’ll impress the girls and gives us the electric number ‘Greased Lightnin’. Meanwhile Sandy is invited to a Pink Ladies sleepover, and they reject her. She tries Cheerleading unsuccessfully too and on meeting Danny things seem a little awkward.

At their stylish best the long-awaited school dance commences introduced by the OTT Vince Fontaine played by Carl Lovejoy also taking on the role of Teen Angel, with his accompanying heavenly angels and the dance contest starts and Danny pairs with Cha-Cha, a top dancer, beautifully performed by Chanel Pritchard and they win hands down much to teacher Miss Lynch’s disapproval. Sandy stuck  at home with a head cold realises she loves Danny singing a fine rendition of ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You.’ Life for Frenchy one of the Pink Ladies is also not so good - her dreams of being a beautician fail, perfect in pink Ava Howe capturing her role. Finally getting together at a drive-in movie, having borrowed Kenickies’s car, Sandy leaves upset that Danny is taking things too far. Hanging out at Jan’s, listening to Rock ‘n’ Roll Sandy joins them in the hopes Danny will be there, but Lilly Cassidy beautifully struts – as a bit of a bully role with mouth to match Rizzo and now thinking she may be pregnant, again makes it clear Sandy is not welcome. Somehow things have to change, and Sandy makes a surprise triumphant  arrival dressed in the tightest of black leathers, curly  hair rendering ‘You’re the One That I Want.’  Rizzo’s pregnancy was a false alarm, and the kids celebrate with ‘The Mega Mix’ fabulous finale.

A splendid gang of T-Bird lads were impressively performed by Fred Lindfield, Elias Prosser, George Stathakis and Jesse Librack-Balroop. Opposite them were the well-cast Lilli Cassidy, Ava Howe, Milly Thorpe and Evie Turner as the Pink Ladies, Lily Roberts as spectacled Patty, Piers Irvine an endearing

Eugene, Bryony Ford-Jones strict Miss Lynch, and ‘Raining on Prom Night’ soloist Liv Thompson. Together with Teddy Boys, Rah Rah Girls, Cheerleaders, Jocks, Greasers, Teddy Girls and Be-Boppers what a joy it was to watch such a co-ordinated, well drilled in both movement and vocals, superbly costumed, talented musical company. A huge production team including The Grease Band, sound, lighting, special effects including pyrotechnics, set provision, the great car, and excellent costuming making everything slot together and huge praise to so many involved.

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