Grease The Musical

It is fifty-five years ago since Grease the Musical was first staged and yet all the familiar songs still live on in everyone’s memories. Bridie and her amazing team had put together an extremely talented cast for this iconic show that had their audience blown away.

The Apex Theatre’s large stage and high roof were used effectively. A raised platform at the rear held the band behind a slightly transparent screen, which opened at times to reveal the Musical Director and musicians. In front of this, a separate gangway with stairs was used for the Radio Voices, while the upper level also provided space for some of the action to take place. A good use of the different levels. This had all been lit very effectively to give atmosphere to the scenes. The CTC team also created several smaller set pieces that complemented the scenes and were moved efficiently, while the iconic car for the Drive-In Movie scene was hired in. The numerous costumes all looked great and in-keeping with the period and Sandy’s black trousers in the final scene were fabulous but how did she manage to squeeze in and out of them with a quick change!!  Well done to her.  

The show started, whilst the audience were still taking their seats, with the Radio Voices — Chloe Preston, Francesca Ratcliffe and Sophie Rogers — performing several rock and roll numbers introduced by Charlie Bowden-Smith as Vince Fontaine on his radio show. 

The two main leads of Danny (Alfie Neal) and Sandy (Izzy Lungley) were both outstanding. Their rendition of  “Summer Nights” and later with their individual solos from Sandy with “Hopelessly Devoted” and Danny singing “Sandy” were all delivered superbly.

The principals were all excellent and equally captivating comprising of the Pink Ladies and T-Birds , with each character’s personality shining through. The Pink Ladies included Rizzo (Ilinca Stanuta), Frenchy (Isabelle Martin), Marty (Amelia Clayton) and Patty (Beth McCormack). Jan (Laurelle Matthews-Sole) and Roger (Cameron Patchett) had a strong rapport, which worked well on stage. Other T-Birds included Doody (Tommy Calver), Sonny (Connor Elliott-Roome) and Eugene (Flynn Tasker), with each performer given a memorable moment in the spotlight through their individual songs.  Special mention must go to Ilaija Vuli, who stepped into the role of Kenickie with just three weeks to prepare. He should be very proud of his performance, particularly in the brilliant “Greased Lightnin’”. I’m sure we will see lots more of him. 

I must also mention Miss Lynch, (Lizzie Rigby) Cha-Cha (Mia Coote) and Teen Angel (Rudy Hendin-Walker) and his Angels in their cameo roles. Johnny Casino (Zakhary Wilson) gave an accomplished performance of “Born To Hand Jive”.  They were all strongly supported by the ensemble and full company.  The numerous songs were all performed exceptionally, with Musical Director, Jade and her eight piece band enhancing their performance.  With so many songs, the choreography needed imagination and variety, and the two choreographers, Heidi and Leanda achieved this superbly, with the whole cast bringing life, energy and skill to every musical number.

This was a must-see performance for musical theatre lovers, and neither we nor the rest of the audience were disappointed. It only remains for me to say congratulations to Bridie, all her cast, creative team and crew for a superb evenings entertainment. Good to see you all again and thank you for your warm welcome.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.