MOST people will know Grease from the hit film featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, along with all the songs – many of them have hit high chart positions over the years.
But, with a classic such as this, it’s great to see it adapted for the stage – and it is a good chance to introduce it to younger people and others, who may not have seen the movie.
It is no surprise this show at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre has enjoyed near full-house audiences in its opening performances.
This show is well worth a watch – it has a fantastic cast which brings this much-loved High School story of teenage angst to life with bags of energy.
There are too many characters to mention everyone but each member plays their part – from the ensembles to the lead roles.
David Bradley and Laura Pullen were wonderfully suited to their roles as the focus pair Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbroski. They worked well together on the stage and performed their musical numbers with plenty of skill and confidence – starting with the renowned Summer Nights and never looking back, right through to ‘You’re The One That I Want’. Pullen – in ‘Hopefully Devoted’ and ‘Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee (Reprise)’ had two of the vocal performances of the night.
Other superb vocal performances came from Grace Duggan as Marty, singing ‘Freddy My Love’, and Hayley Gass with ‘There are Worse Things I could Do’ – she was excellent as feisty Betty Rizzo.
As well as the teen angst, there was plenty of humour in this show too. The comedic relationship between Roger (Jake Jones) and Jan (Hayley Marshall) was a joy to watch, right from the song ‘Mooning’, through their on-off and somewhat quirky relationship.
More laughs came from Paul Steele as stereotypical radio DJ Vince Fontaine and the Teen Angel in the song Beauty School Drop-Out with Abii Ward (Frenchy). Her facial expressions during this number also provided plenty of smiles.
The dance performance of the night went to Lois Press as the aptly named ‘Cha-Cha Digregorio’ who wins the hand jive contest with Zuko .
There will always be logistical issues when it comes to creating a stage version of a film with regard to scene changes but these were overcome well with a clever and versatile stage that transformed from Rydell High School, to a bedroom, a garage, a park, a drive-in movie and The Burger Palace and salon.
Well done also to Jimmy Hill for directing, producing, filming and editing the Twi-Light Horror Movie screened during the drive-in scene – it provided a few more laughs and showcases more of the Norbury team’s talent.
And, I need to give a shout-out to the fabulous Norbury Theatre Orchestra which is always faultless and never disappoints. Tonight, they were the High School band and, ever-present at the back of the stage, provided the fantastic scores to these classic songs.
Grease The Musical at the Norbury is the perfect way to spend a Summer Night.
The remaining performances at the Norbury Theatre take place at 7.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday (June 25 to 28) with a 2.30pm matinee also on the Saturday.
And when ‘The Word’ spreads about this production the tickets will fly out of the box office like Greased Lightnin’ so make sure you get yours by clicking here or by calling 01905 770154.
