Grease - The Musical

Grease The Musical
Produced by: WODS Musical Theatre Company
Book, music and Lyrics by: Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
Performed at: The Weston Playhouse
Date: 19th June 2025
Directed by: Owen James
Choreographers: Carrie Curtis/Merle Harrison-Croft/
Harri Moore
Musical Director: Annie Ford
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

What a delight to come back to the Playhouse. One of the best theatres for
miles and to find you have an almost full house, I was thrilled for you. The
atmosphere was extremely exciting with even some audience members
arriving in their pink ladies jackets. Yes this does all add to the fun and goes
to show how popular the show still is. We all remember the film (well us of a
certain age). It was an enormous success and just went to prove you don’t
have to be a teenager for this show and to get away with it. We just believe
what they told us and they believed in what they did, and we just loved the
wonderment of the songs and script. I have a special fondness for the show,
as it took me back about 41 years to my very first lead part as Danny. I was
very raw and probably dreadful but loved every minute. Anyway, enough
waffle as you can tell I’m very excited.
Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Grease.
Bursting onto the stage with its doo-wop charm and rock ’n’ roll swagger, this
beloved show transports us back to the 1950s with all the energy of a 50’s
hot Spot.
Grease is a celebration of youth, of summer love, high school antics, and that
electric moment in life when everything feels possible. The story of Danny
and Sandy’s romance might seem straightforward, but it doesn’t come
without its complexities and awkwardness.
What sets Grease apart is its infectious score. Songs like “Summer Nights,”
“Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want” aren’t just memorable
—they’re cultural touchstones. Whether you’re seeing the show for the first
time or the fifteenth, they still have the power to get toes tapping and
audiences singing along. But it’s the ensemble that truly revs the engine.
Characters like Rizzo, Kenickie, Jan, Roger, and Frenchy give the show its
heart and humour, each one bursting with personality.
After seeing this WODS production, I came to the conclusion that—whatever
few negatives I might have—they’re easily eclipsed by a packed audience
that absolutely loved it. I wouldn't dare argue with that. Everyone, without
doubt, left on a high: singing, grinning from ear to ear... including myself, after a very nostalgic trip back in time.

So let me get those few negatives out of the way. As I feel the era is so
important to bring to the audience I was just a bit disappointed the hairstyles
were so modern. Apart from Frenchie you’d obviously made the decision not
to go down the wig route which I know can be expensive, but I felt it a shame
more attention wasn’t given to at least emulate the 50’s style. This included
the men too. Some made the effort Eugine with his nicely gelled slick look
and Sonny also. I really wanted to see that DA.
I also felt some of the scene changes could have been much slicker. They
were always covered by music but everything you see these days scenes are
changing and choreographed before the previous scenes have finished and
work really well when it’s all planned out and choreographed. I wasn’t too
keen on the two “stills” where the guys came on and stood in a freeze then
the girls later. It looked a bit awkward and clumsy and they were there in full
light a long time, if they are covering a scene change I’d rather they were
being active and even part of the scene change. Just my opinion to help the
show flow.
The dialogue was a bit slow at times, as some of it is now a bit dated. I felt it
would have been better at a faster lick but allowing jokes to land. I felt some
of the comedic lines were just a bit thrown away, so the audience didn’t pick
them up. It’s always difficult with a first night, as in rehearsals the cast had
probably stopped laughing once they’d heard the jokes a few times, but a lot
of the audience are hearing it for the first time and had we had the
opportunity to hear properly there would have been a few more laughs. It’s all
in the timing as they say! I’m sure this would have improved enormously as
the run continued.
I liked the set, so much choice of height and stairs to always make the
scenes interesting and I felt they were used pretty well. I thought the
ensemble were used to their full potential and padding out scenes where
necessary and it looked quite natural. The picnic scene made me smile!
Most importantly, all the main characters came to life. I did feel a lot of care
had gone into those characterisations and some nice fully thought through
performances came through.
At times I felt the mic’s were rather harsh and not balanced well to the singer,
but this did improve as the show progressed, so most likely a first night thing!
Lighting was more than adequate creating some nice colour washes and
giving some atmosphere when it was needed. Cueing felt good.
I thought Frenchies scene in Beauty School Drop Out was a particular high
lite where everything came together perfectly. It looked great, lighting was
terrific and acted beautifully by Frenchie and sung up a storm by Teen Angel.
 

There were some terrific moments throughout the show, I thought Rizzo gave

us some terrific characterisation throughout her scenes, and Jan and Roger
gave us great comedy and some lovely touching moments. All in all, thank
you for taking on this iconic musical. I loved seeing it again after so long and
enjoyed the energy and care that had gone into putting it together.
If you're after a night of nostalgia, laughs, and foot-stomping tunes, Grease is
still the word.

Musical Director
Annie you’ve done it again! A terrific sound coming from the pit. I love it when
the bands in front it gives you that real “live” exciting sound. I could tell a lot
of work had gone into the company singing and you achieved a good rich
sound with plenty of harmonies coming through. All the solos came well
across the footlights. The balance wasn’t always perfect but that’s more to do
with sound. The singing quality was very good and I felt everyone really tried
to push themselves rather than take an easy way out.

Choreography
Wow what a wealth of experience with three choreographers. I did feel a lot
of the 50’s vibes coming through in the movement. I liked how you made full
use of the stage and levels which kept everything interesting. I thought
everyone seemed to be used to the best potential and some nice shaping
and good story telling. If I had to be a bit picky I was just a little bit
disappointed in “You’re The One That I Want” I felt the movement seemed
slow and a bit laboured especially as it’s more or less the finale piece but hey
the audience loved it, so I’m not arguing with that.

Danny Zuko (Mike)
Well it has to be said Travolta’s Zuko are huge creepers to fill. It was good to
see you putting your own take on the character. Your singing background
certainly helped with the vocals. I felt you really pushed yourself with the
dynamics of the songs. Sandy was certainly a winner and You’re The One
That I Want was certainly challenging range wise but you rose up and owned
it.
Good swagger and nice team work with the other T birds. I would have just
liked a bit more chemistry with Sandy. It worked a treat when you were
together but when you were pretending to not know her the electricity went
out completely where as we as an audience should still be feeling it between
you both and willing you both to come together. But that said great to see
you in a lead part with that lovely cheeky smile which won us over. You are
the one that we want.

Sandy (Holly)

What a dream role for you. I’ve so enjoyed watching your performances of
late and seeing you grow in confidence. Your voice was just beautiful and
suited the songs just perfectly and with ease. Hopelessly Devoted was a real
high lite. Some nice comedy moments coming through with the girls and the
change of character at the end was just right. You gave a lot of thought to
Sandy and I must say you really did her justice. Well done.

Rizzo (Laura)
What a gem of a part. You grabbed her with both hands and ran with it. She
is the most compelling and complex characters. I thought you really handled
her with care. There are Worse Things I Could Do was not only sung well but
beautifully acted throughout too. You had us in the palm of your hand. Good
work together with Kenickie a very believable pairing. I’m looking forward to
seeing what you do next.

Kenickie (Nick)
Another complex character. You had that tough exterior but still managed to
show us that vulnerability especially when you thought Rizzo was pregnant. I
liked the tension and humour that you generated with Rizzo and a complete
team player with the other T Birds. I really enjoyed “Greased Lightnin” you
kept a good energy throughout. Nice to hear that voice again too.

Marty ( Rachel)
This is a part that sometimes disappears under the radar but you we’re going
to do your best for that not to happen and you succeeded. The glamorous
flirtatious side of you came through and I loved how you so craved that air of
sophistication but just not quite getting there. You had some good one liners
and I really enjoyed Freddy My Love.

Doody (David)
I really enjoyed your energy on stage. You created a really likeable character
which we all enjoyed. I thought you really pushed yourself in “Magic
Changes” and I take my hat off to you with your breathing under control you
hit every note. I hope the voice lasted the week. A very valuable member of
the T Birds.

Roger (Harry)
I so look forward to seeing your performances you never disappoint. You
have such a good energy about you and give it your all. Your comic timing
gets better each show. You knew just how to deliver those one liners. Loved
your pairing with Jan. You played off each other so well. Really enjoyable.

Jan (Honey)

One of my favourite characters in the show. I think she gets the best lines and
you knew just how to deliver them. Super energy about you whether it was
with the Pink Ladies or with Roger. I could sense you’d really thought about
this character and I thought you made the absolute most of it. You were great
fun to watch.

Frenchy ( Stephanie)
So good to see you back on stage in a perfect role for you. Such a lovely
actress as well as singer we as an audience believed everything you told us
as you have good use of expressions and use your eyes really well. She is
one of the most beloved and bubbly characters. You showed your caring
side when welcoming Sandy into the group and helping her to fit in. The ear
piercing was hilarious. We really felt for you and your struggles during Beauty
School Dropout. I think Frenchy resonates with a lot of teenage girls and you
really did her justice.

Sonny (Tim)
I loved your blurb in the program, really made me laugh. I enjoyed your
performance all the more for reading it. Just wait till you get to my age!!!
That said you fitted in perfectly. You were full of swagger and mischief and
were an integral part of the T Birds. Keep going.

Teen Angel (Paul)
One moment, one song and you absolutely made your mark. What a great
production number with you as the focus and you completely held your own.
One of the best songs in the show. You really did it justice.

Jonny Casino (Natasha)
Great vocal and as always a lovely stage presence. I really enjoyed seeing a
different take on this and you completely owned it. Well done.

Miss Lynch (Sarah)
You may not sing or dance in this show, but she is a vital ingredient. You
really gave us the stern, no nonsense English teacher and disciplinarian. You
still provided some nice comic moments whether it be awkward
announcements or your attempts to maintain decorum at the dance and
some well timed one liners.

Vince Fontaine (Luke)
You are without doubt the best character actor money can buy. You always
give it everything. Those little looks, glances or even the move of an eyebrow
are priceless. A joy.

Cha cha (Merle)

Firstly congratulations on owning the wig drop. You carried on as if nothing
had happened which left us thinking did it mean to happen. It didn’t throw
you at all. I’ve seen one wig fall off and end up on someone in the orchestra
pit before now! You were the dance floor diva. Bold brash and confident. We
could ask no more.

Patty (Kristina)
I enjoyed your performance very much. You pitched her just right. Great facial
expressions and line delivery were hilariously on point. A really good contrast
to the pink ladies, bubbly and squeaky clean.

Eugene (Tom)
You were in character right from the off. You got him just right without going
over the top which made him all the more lovable. You made a really good
contrast to all the other characters around you.

Radio Star (Ash)
Really nice seeing this song come to life and sung with a slightly modern
twist. A great addition to the show.

Director (Owen)
I’m sure you will have been well pleased with the result of this show. Such a
crowd pleaser. Without doubt everyone left singing and dancing which says
to me your job is done. Any little negatives I had really were outweighed by
the fantastic reaction you must have had every night.
The whole evening felt like a supported team effort I really hope it was a great
experience for you.
WODS thank you for your very kind hospitality and very warm welcome. I
look forward to the next one.
Best wishes
Mike

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