Grease: the musical at the Dominion Theatre in London was just as energetic and dazzling as one would expect. The cast were high energy and every scene was packed full of animation and dialogue.
Review
I have only seen Grease (1978) once, but I feel like the songs and storyline is weirdly engrained in my brain, just like it is an iconic classic engrained within popular culture. The costumes and the aesthetic of the film is something that is timeless despite being set in 1959. Society is clearly still enthralled by the story as the audience for the performance I booked tickets for, was packed, with many members of the audience dressing up in pink jackets just like the pink ladies. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first as I know it can always be difficult to adapt these beloved films to the stage – and some work and often many don’t translate well.
Right from the start there was an immersive quality about the theatre while guests were taking their seats with pink lighting and audio that transformed the theatre into a 1950s feel. Once the lights dimmed it was time to go back to then 1950s with the opening number of Sandy performed by Olivia Moore (Sandy) and Dan Partridge (Danny) that sets the scene for back to school. The set design was simple and used effective moving pieces to change from inside the school of Rydell high, outside the Burger palace and in domestic settings such as Rizzo’s house. Props and moving pieces such as a car, bed or sofa and then static props like climbing frames used in PE gave the performance a dynamic element. The floor was decked out in stereotypical gym planks that unified the feel of the production. In the performance I attended, Peter Andre played Vince Fontaine the DJ, and Jive contest host in the second act. He was brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the role. In the first act I wasn’t sure whether his character added much to the production because he was placed up high at the back of the stage. However, when the jive contest arrived Andre took centre stage and made the character his own with over the top gestures and vocals. I also enjoyed Jocasta Almgill as Rizzo, she stood out as an interesting character on stage. Furthermore, stand out songs included Grease is the word, Greased Lightin’, Tattoo song, Freddy my Love, and of course You’re the one that I want in the shows finale.
However, as much as I enjoyed the set designs and energy of the musical numbers – I do have some critiques. The mics were too loud which made my ears hurt. I was far back in circle but some of the high-pitched notes were very loud as well as one moment when a whistle was blown into a mic. This rattled through my ears. Similarly, some of the characters were not distinct enough to differentiate the main characters on stage. I was seated far back – albeit had a really good view of everything happening on stage – I was unsure as who was Danny Zucko in the crowd of the Burger Palace boys gang. Many of the male actors had a similar hair style and white t-shirt with a black jacket. This made it difficult to follow each character’s story. Similarly I found it difficult to follow where Sandy was on stage when there was a lot of female actors present. I think both Danny and Sandy needed more extravagant costumes or gestures that defined their stage presence, whereas Rizzo was easily identifiable on stage.
Final thoughts?
Overall I really enjoyed Grease the musical and thought the staging, lighting and visual elements were well thought and executed. The cast gave each song a lot of energy and punchy dance numbers throughout the performance. I think there were a few songs and scenes that went on for too long and could be cut down. But that is just part of every story that has slower moments. I would recommend taking a trip to the dominion theatre to see a production that has so much energy and fun from start to finish. Although I did think the notion of women to change for a man is outdated in contemporary society and the idea that Sandy is shamed for being virtuous and not as carefree as the pink ladies – Rizzo in particular – is not in keeping with today’s values. I think this shows how times have changed since the twentieth century in regards to sexually and patriarchal views.
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