Grease The Musical - Review
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When the directors of the movie
Grease were looking for an actor to play the role of
Danny Zuko in the 1970's, they approached
Henry Winkler aka
Fonzie from the TV
Happy Days. He turned down the role as he didn't want to be typecast, and admits the decision was one of his biggest regrets. The movie catapulted
John Travolta's career and the was an international hit. Winkler's response to his decision?
"That's why John Travolta went on to buy his own plane and I just went home."
Fast forward three decades and the movie is still as popular today as it was in the 70's. We've all grown to adore the fictional characters - wholesome and pure
Sandy the new girl in town, handsome chick-magnet
Danny, the cool hot-rodding
T-Birds, sarcastic and tough
Rizzo , the gum-snapping, hip-shaking
Pink Ladies, angelic saviour
Teen Angel, and egotistical, womanising radio disk jockey
Vince Fontaine. What is it about these characters that have us in a frenzy we can't let them go? We connect and relate to them, it's that simple.
With numerous revivals, arena spectacular concerts, school and community productions, this is a much loved musical as it is a movie. Following the journey of senior class students at
Rydell High, the year 1959, it focuses on friendship, love, acceptance, and fulfilling dreams. Mixed with a great storyline and timeless songs, the production has come a long way since it opened in
London in the 70's with a then unknown
Richard Gere in the role of
Danny Zuko.
It's no wonder the latest production of
Grease currently performing around Australian theatres is attracting audiences in droves. I attended opening night in
Melbourne, the red carpet rolled out,
Grease's pink promotional car parked proudly in front of
Her Majesty's Theatre, and the who's who of
Melbourne were there in full support.
Sitting between
Nuala Hafner from Channel 10's
Wake Up Breakfast Show, and talented singer
Silvie Paladino, we felt like excited teenagers waiting for the lights to dim at our first teen idol concert.
I've seen many productions of
Grease, and this by far is the best. It's a hit from the minute
Miss Lynch (Val Lehman) walks on stage and interacts with the audience to join in her 'singing class'. When the band perched high up on stage began to play, it was thunderous as King Kong's roar.
Bring on
Danny and
Sandy to share a brief interlude, the cast breaking out into
Grease Is The Word, and the audience is trying their hardest to stay seated whilst clapping along grinning from ear to ear. Yes folks, this is
Grease The Musical and we love it.
This production has been reworked for the best in my opinion. It moves at a fast pace, with some changes made to the original score to bring it in line with the movie - and to what audiences expect. About time I say. Hallelujah!
The original production is slightly different to the movie. Back then it seemed fine, but three decades on with its popularity soaring to record highs, audiences want to hear all the hit songs and the movie played out to them live on stage. This is how
Grease should be in the 21st century.
Rob Mills as chick magnet
Danny Zuko is brilliant - there's no disputing he's perfect for this role. His voice suits the music, he's charismatic, handsome, and has that boyish charm similar to
John Travolta. He's come a long way since
Australian Idol, and found his niche in musical theatre working pretty damn hard to get there too.
He's a stayer in the industry and genuine nice guy - and nice guys get my vote. Working on the
Australian Idol tour in
Adelaide I drove
'Millsy' and the
Idols in
Adelaide. Bumping into him a few times in
Melbourne he remembers. Success hasn't gone to his head, and his performance on stage reflects this - he's a star!
Gretel Scarlett as
Sandy has tough shoes to fill, which she does quite flawlessly. Her training at
WAAPA, the recipient of numerous awards and many theatre credits show on stage. She made the songs her own, and looked absolutely smashing in the final scene - 'skinny envy' - sigh.
Lucy Maunder as
Rizzo is a knock-out! She struts, she's rebellious, vulnerable, says it as it is, has attitude, and stands her own ground.
The talented
Todd McKenney as
Teen Angel steals the show. Hamming it up, and briefly stopping the band during his number
Beauty School Dropout, (I won't spoil it) adding his 'personal touch' is the highlight. He plays and teases the audience right into the palm of his hands like an absolute pro. Meeting
Todd after the show, he was happy to chat and pose for snaps - another nice guy vote from me.
Bert Newton needs no introduction. Audiences erupt the minute he steps foot on stage, he can do no wrong and they can't get enough of him. He's quite comfortable in the role of
Vince Fontaine, and considering he's used to 'spinning the hits' it's a walk in the park for him. He's as smooth as a glass of
Penfolds Grange.
Anthony Callea shines as
Johnny Casino. Although not a demanding role, he's no stranger to the stage - and he works it. A fantastic mover, brilliant singer, the audience clapped, cheered and lapped up every minute of it.
The cast isn't complete without the
T-Birds, Pink Ladies and the dance ensemble. They complement each other, the chemistry is just right and each character is highlighted respectively.
Stephen Mahy is ideal for the role of
Kenickie. Having seen him in the
Jersey Boys he's going from strength to strength. He rips into
Greased Lightning with enormous intensity, with no disputing he's on a mission to get his 'baby' (dream car) on the road.
The show is polished, snappy, tight and slick. The costumes magnificent and in keeping with the era, the sets and lighting cleverly designed, and the choreography sensational making this an outstanding production.
The setting of the final scene is a breath of fresh air. Without saying too much - it's the perfect change.
Streamers and 'pops' added to the electric atmosphere while three generations were up on their feet clapping and singing along with the cast during the final curtain call. Even after two and a half hours the energy was as upbeat as it was at the start.
Grease will always be a winner.
Grease dates:
Melbourne until the 30 March 2014.
Singapore from 25 April 2014.
Perth from 21 June 2014.
Adelaide from 3 August 2014.
Grease will return to
Melbourne for an encore summer season from
11 December 2014 at the
The Regent Theatre. The popular all-star cast will be back ready to party during Melbourne's summer nights, and it's going to be a blast!
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140707 - 2023-06-13 17:05:43