Grease - The Musical

Grease - The Musical follows the lives of ten working class teens, set in the fictional school Rydell High. It pays homage to the 1950s era of greasy hair, greasy engines and greasy food!  Beginning in Chicago 1971, performed by a non-professional cast to an audience of only 120, Grease eventually played a record breaking 3,388 performances on Broadway. It is estimated that over 125,000 productions of the show have been mounted around the world in the past 50 years. The 1978 film version starring John Travolta and Australia's own Olivia Newton-John still holds up as one of the most successful movie musicals of all-time. From the buzz of the crowd at this opening night performance, it is evident that Grease is still 'the word'!  

Whilst containing large nods of nostalgia, Director Luke Joslin has aimed for a 'contemporary' feel that is both fresh and bold. Set Designer James Browne has reimagined the visual elements, planting the characters into a heightened world where the characters seem to leap out of the scenery, as in a comic book world. Part of the huge set consists of oversized bleachers, with giant 3D letters on the top tier that spell 'Rydell High'. These are constantly shifting to give the illusion of different times and places, including the school gymnasium, a bedroom, the Starlight Drive-in and the Burger Palace. It's impressive how nimble the cast are, going up and down the bleachers, especially in high heels and tight-fitting costumes!  Additional large walls and LED screens manoeuvre around the stage, setting up other countless reveals including the garage where the T-birds gang hangs out. The ingenious transformation of the Ford Thunderbird (from its unfinished, lack-lustre state into a new shiny red racing car) is a brilliant piece of theatrical magic!  Additionally, a circular screen cleverly doubles for both a mirror ball, used in the rock 'n' roll dance competition scene, and the face of the man in the moon, used during the more romantic moments. 

Browne's character-specific costumes, wigs and make-up (including the iconic T-birds and Pink Ladies ensembles) are a vibrant reflection of the era whilst giving each character a strong sense of self identity. Many of the costumes are modelled on the timeless 'Rockabilly' style. The shiny, deep red racing suits and helmets (worn during the 'Greased Lightnin' dance break) set the stage ablaze whilst the elaborate white costumes in 'Beauty School Dropout' are reminiscent of a Ziegfeld Follies extravaganza. Edgy and eye-popping lighting design by Trudy Dalgleish suits the contemporary feel of the show. Using cleverly chosen colour palettes, and state of the art lighting technology, Dalgleish effectively captures the mood of each scene, elevating the audience's connection to the performers. Sound design by Michael Waters is crisp and clear, resulting in a perfect balance between the music, dialogue and sound effects. 

The eleven-piece band under the direction of Dave Skelton is a well 'greased' machine of exceptional skill. There are too many musical highlights to mention, but my favourites are when the band kicks in full throttle at the start of 'Grease Is The Word' and the saxophone and drum solos on 'Born To Hand Jive'. What a sound! Great work all!

This dance heavy show is in great hands (and feet) with choreographer Eric Giancola. The rock 'n' roll, swing and doo-wop numbers are highly complex and original. The quality of the dancing is off the charts, particularly during 'Greased Lightnin', 'We Go Together', 'Born to Hand Jive' and the Act Two 'Finale'. These are high-octane routines where the performers use the entire stage, incorporating jumps, spins, hand claps and intricate footwork while still singing faultlessly! This ensemble has unending stamina! 

Joseph Spanti (Cruel Intentions: The 90's Musical) as Danny Zuko (leader of the T-birds, in love with Sandy) is well cast as both the enduring symbol of teenage rebellion and romantic longing. His rendition of 'Sandy' was tender and emotive, whilst his duet of 'You're The One That I Want' showcased his impressive vocal range and control. Annelise Hall (The Marvellous Elephant Man) reprises her 2021 role at QPAC of Sandy Dumbrowski (student from Australia, in love with Danny) with her Aussie accent and girl next door personae (akin to both Delta Goodrem & Olivia Newton-John). From the opening notes of 'Summer Nights' the audience was smitten by Annelise's natural, unaffected portrayal of Sandy. The purity and clarity of her vocals shone brightly on 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' and 'It's Raining on Prom Night'. During her metamorphosis during 'You're The One That I Want', Hall's vocals became more powerful and confident. Mackenzie Dunn (Hairspray) portrays Rizzo (member of Pink Ladies, in a tumultuous relationship with Kenickie) with a mix of vulnerability, humour and strength. Her Act Two torch song 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do' with its emotive, heart wrenching vocals literally stopped the show! I've never heard an audience clap and cheer so loud and for so long!  Keanu Gonzalez (Hamilton) portrays Kenickie (Rizzo's boyfriend, member of T-birds) with panache and charisma. Despite his tough exterior his softer side wins out in the end. Gonzalez's performance during 'Greased Lightnin' is magnetic and a highlight of Act One. Rising star Brianna Bishop (Midnight: The Cinderella Musical) plays Marty (Rizzo's best friend). Her comedic voice and timing are perfectly suited for this zesty, vivacious character. Bishop's rendition of 'Freddy My Love' is frivolous and perfectly charming! 

Catty Hamilton captivates the audience with her larger-than-life portrayal of Frenchy. Tom Davis's (Doody) performance of 'Those Magic Changes' with his velvety vocals and en pointe falsetto is spellbinding. Caitlin Spears (Jan) and Andy Seymour (Roger) steal the spotlight with their humorous and sultry rendition of 'Mooning'. Harry Targett (Sonny), Lucy Fraser (Patty) and Gareth Isaac (Eugene) provide well-timed comic relief when needed. Cristina D'Agostino's (Cha Cha, the dancer) artistry, stamina and stage presence are a force to be reckoned with. The 'hopelessly devoted' ensemble includes: Fabian Andres, Oscar Bridges, Axel Duffy, Rose Shannon-Duhigg, Emma Whitefield. Swings: Lachlan Beck, Laura Joy Bunting, Madeleine Mackenzie (Resident choreographer), Anna Mallows (Dance captain), and Conor Putland. 

This production of Grease brings together three Australian performing icons: Patti Newton, Jay Laga-Aia and Marcia Hines. The audience is so enthusiastic each time they appear and show their genuine appreciation for these stage and screen legends. Newton (Mary Poppins) as Miss Lynch (the strict but lovable English teacher) oozes poise, sophistication and wisdom due to her decades of performing experience. Her agile dance moves and infectious enthusiasm during 'Born To Hand Jive' brought a smile to my face! Jay Laga'Aia (Lion King) as Vince Fontaine (DJ and dance contest judge) sings up a storm performing 'Born To Hand Jive' during the rock 'n' roll contest. The song has 'got groove and got meaning' due to Laga'Aia's powerful and commanding vocals. Marcia Hines, as Teen Angel is a 'beauty queen' knockout! Seeing her professionalism and hearing her honeyed vocals is worth the price of admission. The gospel flavoured finale of 'Beauty Queen Dropout' was an uplifting moment of unity between the cast and audience.

With its catchy tunes, memorable characters, energetic dance numbers and colourful staging Grease - The Musical has left a lasting impact on the world of theatre and popular culture for decades. This incarnation will do the same!

It’s the perfect ‘Summer Night’ outing! Don’t miss it!

Jonathan Cox

Photos: Jeff Busby