Grease The Musical

Grease is such a well known film and show it is difficult to put your own stamp on it, but Rochdale Musical Theatre Company managed to make it their own while keeping the integrity of the iconic show. Champness Hall presents its own set of issues to perform in with its tiered stage area only - R.M.T.C. got around this by using the tiers to their advantage and positioning their own brightly coloured, appropriately decorated flats, this created a perfect central performance space and took us straight to Rydell High.

From the off Chris Addington as Musical Director was in charge - he kept some great pace and it was evident that the cast had been well rehearsed through their various harmonies - all the musical numbers were opened with attack - no hesitations or half notes. The cast erupted on stage with high energy, enthusiasm and verve which didn't diminish at all throughout the show. The sound levels between the orchestra and the cast were beautifully balanced both in ensemble numbers and in solos/duets.

Mike Miller as Danny gave a strong performance - there were definitely some nerves to start with but he soon settled in and found his niche. Vocals were good, I personally would like to see and hear a little bit more diaphragmatic breathing for note sustainability but when the adrenaline is pumping I do understand how it can be an afterthought. The audience thoroughly loved his Danny swagger. The T-Birds- Deni Griffiths as Kenicke, James Goodwin as Roger, Ruben Goldsburgh as Sonny and Daniel Richter as Doody were very strong both as a group and as individual characters. They had their characterisations down pat, were fully committed, vocals were fantastic - Daniel Richter and James Goodwin both individually also brought some great vocals, harmonies strong, the comedy timings throughout were second to none. It was very obvious that they were all very comfortable doing their thing on stage and they were a team. They showed some superb chemistry and awareness of the dynamics within the group. I must also mention their dance ability, to see two of The T-Birds both do a Russian Split jump with great elevation during "Greased Lightening " was incredible. 

Michael Thompson as Eugene exhibited some fantastic comedy timing. I personally didn't agree with him breaking the fourth wall to respond and interact with the audience during performance, but his characterisation was impeccable. I did enjoy his facial expressions and his acted awkwardness when he was dancing with Cha-Cha (Charlie Ormerod) at the school dance. Charlie committed herself 100% to her character, she has sass and attitude, her dancing is always big and draws the eye - she finishes her arm and leg lines and has a certain finesse to her presentation. 

Fayhe-Louise Mitchell made a beautiful Sandy, she is generous on stage and has a lovely presence. Dialogue was nicely delivered and she connected well with the audience, she gave some 0leasant vocals and had some great chemistry with The Pink Ladies. A standout performance in The Pink Ladies for me was Leonie Picariello as Rizzo, she made the character her own, every single eye roll or little aside was perfectly timed. Her vocals in "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" were phenomenal - she shared her vulnerability and completely opened herself to the audience. Annabelle Taylor as Frenchie was perfectly cast, she was every inch the loveable, naive, bimbette. Her facial expressions throughout the show were great, her commitment to her character was evident, she had some lovely presence. She had definitely thought about tone and nuance in her dialogue delivery. Kenya Robinson as Marty showed some strong vocals in "Freddy My Love" , she used her stage space well and dialogue was clear and well delivered .

The Ensemble were phenomenal in this show. The energy they brought out every time they appeared was fantastic to see and absorb. The choreography by Nikki Cooke was fresh, exciting and definitely not a simple box step with basic hand jive, they brought every move alive, every single movement was in time, delivered with attack and excellently executed. Their vocals were strong, words and ends of words within the music could be heard, they connected with the audience and had an incredible chemistry on stage. The whole cast moved like a well oiled machine, they moved pieces of set around and made the scene changes seamless.

Costumes were very recognisable and very much in keeping with the show. Make up was quite modern and at times perhaps a little bit too much highlighter under the lights but face and eye definition was good. Lighting was sympathetic to the scenes and all cues were hit.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Well done, R.M.T.C. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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