Grease

Art in Motion Theatre Company (AIM) is one of Perth’s newest community theatres. Barely a year old, it is aims to serve the City of Gosnells and surrounding suburbs, and Grease is its first full-length adult production.

Grease being one of the more popular musicals, it is rare to see things that you haven’t seen before, but there are some lovely surprises in this show, with “new ideas” in “Beauty School Drop-Out”, a clever touch in the school dance scene, and a very cute car that really drives. Another production that needs to clear its stage mid-run (this seems to be theme of the week), its set is simple but effective, with good quality set pieces by Keith Thomas Worth. Montana Tickner’s lighting adds atmosphere, and bright 50s costuming co-ordinated by Kel Barnard and Angela Wright) helps establish the era. Musical Director Tara Oorjitham led a good quality band, nicely visible in front of the stage, adding a rock and roll feel.

ead roles Danny and Sandy are notoriously under-written, but Jackson Britza and Michaela Sheehy, both trained at WAAPA, voiced the characters beautifully and did their best to add some depth.

Lovely work from the Pink Ladies, led by Erin Craddock, who was a gloriously savvy and sarcastic Rizzo, gorgeously sung, with great layers of character. Jayden Payne makes a welcome return to the stage as Marty, looking great and singing well. Stacey Hollings brought colour and fun to Frenchy, with Megan West a funny and charming Jan.

Usually a set builder, Owen Davis made a rare stage appearance as a likeable Kenicke, also constructing the fabulous Greased Lightning. Charlie Darlington won audience hearts as Doody. Wyatt Gordon channelled movie Sonny in an effective performance and Liam Tickner found the comedy in Roger.

Tim Tyrie performed an unusual doubling as Eugene and Teen Angel, giving credence to two very different roles. Sarah Callahan worked nicely as Patty. Colette Lynch, appropriately playing Ms Lynch, Zachary Cave a handsome but sleazy Vince Fontaine and Ben Wright who gave a different take to Johnny Casino, made the most of their brief appearances. Mariah Gonzalez doubled the responsibility of choreographing the show with playing the “best dancer at St Bernadette’s” Cha Cha, a clever doubling that worked well.

This production used an ensemble of only four, which at times feels a little under-filled, but one cannot deny the dedication and hard work of Brogan Smirke, Brittany Isaia, Aimee Bowers and Kamara Churchill.

A promising production from an emerging company, who are showing lots of forward thinking. This coming Thursday includes a “pay what you can afford” night, which if not already fully booked is a great way to catch some theatre at a good price.

Kimberley Shaw