"Embodies the film in a different sense, without trying to be it but achieving the same joy and amazement when you hear the opening chords to your favourite number." Grease was a show and a party all in one, hearing the awe inspiring voice of the wonderful Olivia Moore belting her heart out. Combined with the crowd reactions to the guest star of Peter Andre as soon as it started the mix at the end not one person in the massive Dominion Theatre was left without a smile. A show that meant so much to so many, now means even more.
Grease is an undertaking of a musical. To say the least. To take on the devoted fanbase of new and old fans and people who grew up watching it. You would have to do enough of what the film does to please the audience who worship the film, without trying to emulate it because that would be impossible. While also bringing in the innovation that makes live theatre so fantastic. So clearly quite the criteria. The wonderful London cast of 2023 did exactly that and more!
Achieving this with a marvellous cast, brilliant set, costume and choreography. This production was in the west ends very large, Dominion Theatre. The set was wonderful and could be split and spun around to form any location within Rydell High or outside. Making it wonderfully interactive for the actors and dancers when moving around the stage. The energy in the auditorium throughout the show was made up of beaming smiles and the sympathetic following of the characters journeys that are so well loved. Initially upon entrance my main concern was that in a theatre as large as the Dominion, the audience would feel detached and the show would feel lifeless. However from the moment "Grease" started any prior doubts I had were forgotten. From every aspect each cast member exceeded the role they were given.
Seeing a version of the film in reality makes hearing any of the songs so much more enjoyable. You are taken back to the captivating choreography, touching music and memorable costume. Something I have seen a rise in within modern musical theatre, is finishing the show with a mix. These allow audiences not only to have a great time and interact with the actors. But also to record this final number. It finishes on a high as well as discouraging any kind of recording by ensuring them they can go home with something. This is ingenious, as theatres know by now a simple verbal warning does very little. So innovations like this, among others are fantastic in advancing the approach to musicals.
I would summarise my experience at Grease in three words as joyous, energetic and most importantly fun! Personally I would recommend Grease as a summer show, I would also recommend seeing it with friends and family. Especially those who also love the movie and it's fantastic songs (written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.) Overall, one of my favourite musical experiences due to it's humour, costumes right from your screen and the fact that it never has a weak cast member.
image -Olivia Moore as Sandy and Dan Partridge as Danny in the 2023 London production of Grease the musical