Grease

It’s a Tall order to put your own stamp on such a well known and loved musical but Benjamin May has certainly managed it. 

Grease by Tall & Short Theatre was a rollicking rollercoaster that sent the audience on a dazzling trip back to the fabulous '50s. With its explosive energy and infectious spirit, the production captured the heart and soul of rock 'n' roll. 

There were some notable differences, a lot less Americana, minimalist sets and some edgier choices that made this one feel a bit grittier, some dated jokes played down or with a different feel. It all worked well and those Pink Ladies’ leathers look like they came straight from the recent Sydney production. They were gorgeous. In fact the whole wardrobe team needs a pat on the back. The costumes (Raelene Jones & Athena Madams ) were really well considered. But I digress, it’s safe to say this production is safe with duo Benjamin May & Isabella Gallant at the helm. Looking at the program both May and Gallant wore many hats to bring this production to the stage and it was well worth the work. I was also sitting near the production team and it was really lovely to see them celebrating some of the moments when the cast were really nailing it. 

Danny Zuko (Luke Bevan) got the audience wrapped around his leather jacket-clad finger from the start while Sandy (Phoebe Barnett), the sweet, innocent girl next door coming of age, held the audience in her hand. 

The pair captured 1950s high school nostalgia while allowing their characters to evolve. They drew the audience into the world of young romance and rebellion in a post-war era. Bevan had the swagger and charm associated with the quintessential greaser, tough yet vulnerable as he grapples with love and identity. While Barnett perfectly balanced naïveté with newfound confidence, her transformation won the audience as she embraced herself. Their duets and solo numbers seamlessly interweaving energy and emotion amidst the vibrant backdrop of the rock 'n' roll era. I particularly enjoyed Barnetts solos. 

The T-Birds nailed the cool, greased-up vibe with their antics. Sonny (John Tracy), as the comical sidekick, gathered plenty of laughs, while Doody (Gerard Gaffney) was lots of fun as the lovable goof with a guitar alongside mischievous Roger (Izzy Tilden) who’s infectious humour often had the audience laughing. Kenickie (Max Fernandez) has his hands full leading these T-Birds. It doesn’t help that he’s ultimately hapless as the tough right-hand man who is a lovable marshmallow under all that leather. 

Still, everyone knows those pink ladies rule the school, raising the bar with their sass and style led by the feisty, outspoken Rizzo (Isabella Rodrigues), who we later see a softer side to in a poignant showstopper by Rodrigues. Beauty school dropout Frenchy (Lauren Mitchell), whose big dreams and optimism make her a crowd favourite, has some beautiful moments as she struggles with her identity. Jan's (Holly Sears) antics and timing make for some great comic relief alongside fashionista boy-crazy Marty (Aisha Amesbury). 

Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine (Michael Astill) are both roles stamped in Grease history and are often undertaken by big names in shows, cementing them in our memories. Astill fits the bill as the smarmy Fontaine and everyone’s favourite Angel. He has a remarkable presence in both roles and the vocal chops to match bringing the audience to spontaneous applause. 

Images: Anthony Stone Photography,