If you’re already missing those Summer Nights, a trip to the Palace Theatre could definitely be on the cards, as Grease the Musical has arrived in Manchester.
Audiences familiar with the 1978 hit film will not be disappointed with the stage adaptation, as the production invites you to step into the 50s-set Rydell High School.
From the opening number – ‘Grease’ – I’m locked in.
The stage floods with horny teenagers who can’t get enough of each other, who just also happen to be incredible singers and dancers – and actors too, of course.
It’s obvious from the get-go that the casting of Danny Zucko, played by Marley Fenton, and Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Hope Dawe, was second to none.
Each were convincing – one the school player, the other a hopeless romantic – from the very start, although the same can’t be said for the connection between the two.
I enjoyed their parts individually (more on that later), but together I struggled to feel the same romantic spark that can be said for the 1978 original.
Rebecca Stenhouse, portraying Betty Rizzo, was a particularly enjoyable character to watch – powerful and sexy as ever.
And if you love Grease for its heart-wrenching ballads yet uplifting dance hits, it’s even better on stage.
Dawe’s performance of ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ was a standout moment for all in the theatre.
When the track started the ensemble joined her on stage, and I couldn’t help thinking that this was a moment she needed for herself.
The second that note came to mind, the ensemble disappeared – just Dawe, the spotlight, and her breathtaking vocals.
You could hear a pin drop, with everyone utterly in awe of how wonderful the ballad was performed.
In fact, the same can be said for all the classic hits.
The ‘Hand Jive’ was impressive for other reasons, with the choreography complex yet surprisingly perfectly executed.
‘Beauty School Dropout’ involved some crowd participation, which was enjoyed by the audience in a rare moment where you could release the feeling of wanting to be involved.
The attention to detail throughout the production was also very notable.
A radio was placed on stage nearly the entire way through, as a reminder of the key role of DJ Vince Fontaine, played by Joe Gash.
Even the wheels of Greased Lightning were made to appear moving with clever visuals.
The famous school dance scene was slightly thrown off by the huge Halloween banner and decorations on stage.
And whilst I’m all about getting into the spooky season, it didn’t really tie in with the general 50s aesthetic.
Pyrotechnics were also used as part of the production, which I felt was a great addition.
The production ended with a megamix, including every song that the audience had been dying to sing the entire show.
Finally I could murder that infamous ‘niiiiiiiights’ note at the end of ‘Summer Nights’.
Both Danny and Sandy grabbed a mic encouraging people to stand up and get involved, and the audience didn’t disappoint with enthusiasm.
All in all, Grease promises a nostalgic and uplifting night, and I definitely left the theatre with a smile on my face.
Look forward to spice and sexiness dashed with a little romance, cheeky behaviour, and of course a sprinkle of mid-20th century sexism (it wouldn’t be Grease otherwise).
Get a ticket whilst you can to experience this ‘electrifying’ production.
Feature image: Marc Brenner
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