‘Grease - The Musical’ is a fun throwback
Grease is still the word, a theory proven by the cast at the musical in Dubai
O ld friends + favourite tunes + a side of drama = a great time. When the cast of Grease - The
Musical took the stage on Friday night it was like a homecoming. I was introduced to Grease, the movie, when I was on the cusp on teenage-hood. And in spite of the difference in high school experience, the lessons (and let’s be honest, the music) stayed with me.
Watching the show was like travelling back in time. The gang was back at Rydell High. The tough Burger Palace boys and those irrepressible rebels, the Pink Ladies, sang their hearts out in duets and solo songs, which resonate still. The play was first written in 1971; the movie was shot in 1978. (This version is an update of the first iteration by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.)
The musical, which centres around the relationships between the two groups, was fresh and dealt with real concerns such as high school promiscuity, the tug of the real world (Frenchy dropped out of beauty school because she couldn’t cope), and your dream versus your reality.
The show echoes those tumultuous teen years, where you are unsure of who you are and what you are doing in life, and relationships with your pals — and the accompanying peer pressure — takes centre stage.
It helps that the brilliant Justin Thomas, who plays Danny (a role made iconic by John Travolta in the movie version), sounds so much like Travolta that if you close your eyes you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. He handles his part with charisma and a dexterity (he does cartwheels at one point) that is thrilling.
But the rest of the cast ain’t too shabby either. Sandy, played by Jessica Paul, has a clear voice that rings with innocence, perfect for goody-two-shoes Sandra Dee; and Rizzo (Djalenga Scott) is one to watch. Scott holds the audience’s attention with not only stage presence but with the voice and acting chops that will have you hating or rooting for her purely on instinct.
The other interesting thing was the diversity of the cast: There was a mix of shapes, sizes and people that would be a more realistic reflection of the times.
Looking at additions: there’s a small segment at the end where you can practice your ‘50s dance moves and sing along with Zuko and the gang. They scatter through the audience, encouraging you to sway along.
The small glitches in the play I chalk up to unfamiliarity with the sets. The dragging on and off of the car, Greased Lightning, and Sandy’s bed by people instead of pulleys, and the peek into the wings made the show look a tad amateurish; which was sad considering the prowess of the cast. Fortunately, the show’s on until Thursday, giving the crew a chance to perfect the entrances and exits.
The new tunes (there are quite a few added to the mix) ate into dialogue time.
However, the old numbers were full of life and with a little encouragement by the enthusiastic audience, the cast proved once again: Grease is the word. Try Go Vintage
Go a bit early for the show and stopover at the Go Vintage fair. It’s a selection of clothes, cars and art that is reminiscent of 1950s America, and makes for an interesting stopover.