Last Night Her Majesty’s Theatre brought us a bucketful of sunshine, enthusiasm, energy, great music and a story with a happy ending. We were able to forget that the world was on the brink of war, climate was changing for the worse, groceries were going up and probably petrol as well.
The whole cast of Grease exudes the joy of living in their singing and dancing. A nine-piece band was terrific, with the rock and roll rhythms bringing back memories of our own teens, for those who are old enough to remember and too young to forget. Special mention due to the saxophonist whose clarion call rang throughout the theatre.
We follow the story of Sandy and Danny who are demonstrating that Shakespeare knew a thing or two when he opined that the path of true love never runs smoothly. But the other students at Rydell High School also suffer all the pangs of adolescence, peer group pressure, uncertainty in relationships and the need to discover their paths in life. Their interactions play an important part in the story.
Sandy (Annelise Hall) appears as a sweet naive, though not gormless, high school student, who comes to find her inner woman, with a little help from sister power. Danny (Fabian Andrés) comes to realise that being super cool is counter productive to obtaining what he really wants.
Both Sandy’s ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and Danny’s ‘You’re the One that I Want’ are sung with such pathos that we know that in the end they will end up together.
This is a musical where all the cast gets a chance to shine. They dance and sing with skill, verve and precision. Songs such as ‘Summer Nights’ Beauty School Drop Out’ and ‘Rock’N’ Roll Party Queen’ bring back nostalgic memories of the film Grease, but this musical is a new and fresh product reflecting new times, without losing any of the original appeal.
Every one of the Rydell High School students creates his or her particular personality and story. The Ensemble, as an entity, shine in scene after scene. It’s impossible to name everyone but Miss Lynch (Patti Newton) is a hoot, Vince Fontaine (Jay Laga’Aia) is a smooth DJ and the Teen Angel’s singing (Pauline) is one of the highlights of the show. In my opinion, however, the whole cast deserves an Oscar.
Adding to the overall excellence there is an amazing set: well designed so scene changes blend seamlessly and allows the story to flow, and lighting spectacularly effective, adds to the overall atmosphere.
By the end the audience was on its feet, singing, clapping and cheering. Audiences know a great musical show when they see one.
Her Majesty’s Theatre Until 26 October
Image :Naomi Jellicoe
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