Grease The Musical
Grease is Most Definitely THE WORD!
Reviewed by Karina Lawrence
Wow! What a night! Grease is certainly the word as we are treated to the wonderful vibe, legendary talent and star student event with the opening night of this iconic film and music bought to life in Grease The Musical.
Graced with an impressive red carpet and A-lister stars, this opening night was held at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre for the return tour of Grease The Musical. Showing for a limited season will take this magic musical also to Perth from June and Brisbane in January.
Produced by John Frost and Crossroads Live, the team brings to life this unforgettable musical. Directed by Luke Joslin and resident Director Trudy Dunn, Grease Australia and the impressive production team and cast have certainly created a joyous celebration as we get to re-live such an important time of our lives, for all youthful and older generations. It’s one of those sensations that will never go out of style. 
The atmosphere was electrifying and right from the opening scene you were transported back to one of the world’s most iconic musicals of high school romance and unforgettable songs.
Based from the book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey with additional songs by Barry Gibb, John Farrar, Louis St.Louis and Scott Simon, the show is beautifully orchestrated, entertaining and an impactive tribute to this iconic masterpiece.
Featuring Australia’s own Patti Newton as the much loved character Miss Lynch and no stranger to the musical stage Jay Laga’aia sizzling performance as Vince Fontaine, the cast were truly magnificent with high energy showcasing dedicated characteristics to these memorable characters.
Incomparable Marcia Hines was indeed a stand out and quite the moment of the night celebrating her iconic talents as she graced the stage as Teen Angel with class, incredible soulful vocals and a finesse that makes you understand the star qualities of this natural performer. Her performance was captivating and alluring and it’s certainly clear she knows how to work a crowd.
The vocals from lead characters Joseph Spanti, playing Danny and Annelise Hall, playing Sandy was beautifully cast and powerful, particularly in their solo performances of Hopelessly Devoted To You and Sandy.
The loveable yet complex characters we have grown to love of Rizzo played by Mackenzie Dunn and Kenickie played by Keanu Gonzalez were, impactive and beautifully portrayed with well matched mannerisms, obvious talent and well presented layers of depth.
Brianna Bishops’s portrayal of Marty was the perfect balance of humour and authenticity as with Catty Hamilton who played Frenchy. You couldn’t help but smile within, as you shared their energy and vibrancy throughout the performance.
The whole cast were just brilliant with such vibrancy and commitment during the show.
With choreography by Eric Giancola and resident choreographer Madeline Mackenzie we were transported back to ‘Rydell High’ that was originally a play with music, before it became a musical and later a major motion picture starring Australia’s beloved Olivia Newton-John as Sandy and John Travolta as Danny.
The music was flawless with musical supervision and direction by Dave Skelton along with sound design by Michael Waters. We were able to relive such iconic songs of the rock ’n’ roll era that the whole world has enjoyed for over 50years. It certainly wasn’t hard to get the audience to sing a long and burst into joyous song, enjoying these infectious melodies.
The sets, costumes and wig design from James Browne were just unreal! The way the sets almost twisted and twirled during the performance all while being transported from scene to scene was so brilliantly created.
It flowed, rolling between scenes and circled flawlessly in motion as we were guided through such a creative sensation.
You felt like you were part of this pop art comic book explosion, with the vibrant colours, sleek designs within an era that were indeed complimentary and appealing to the eye. You were treated with delightful, visual ‘rockabilly’ styled moments of clean lines and beautiful textures, all while depicting those iconic expressions that we all were influenced by, of such impact with the Pink Ladies and T Birds.
The lighting designs by Trudy Dalglesishi were a mixture of elegance and beautiful dimension with modern architecture all rolling into one. Just beautifully created. Along with the cleverly depicted video design throughout the show by Craig Wilkinson.
The iconic roles of Cha Cha at the famous ‘school dance’ scene stunningly depicted and bought passionately to the stage by Christine D’Agosting along with the appearances of those delightful and charismatic characters like Eugene played by Gareth Isaac and classic Patty played by Lucy Fraser.
Grease is most definitely THE WORD!
Spread it loud and clear!
Don’t miss this Magical Masterpiece.
