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It’s the original high school romance that we all know and love. Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski have a whirlwind summer romance, expecting it to become a distant memory by the time they return to school. Little do they know, Sandy is about to become the newest student at Rydell High, the same school that Danny goes to. Can their budding relationship withstand the tests of teenage high school drama? Grease is, undoubtably, one of the greatest musical soundtracks of all time. Featuring Summer Nights, Grease Lightening, You’re the One that I want, and even a Grease Megamix for the encore, it’s guaranteed to have you toe tapping until your toes are sore.
When it comes to productions of a show as famous as Grease, I often have some apprehension. Some producers will put less effort into the production in the hopes that the fame of the story will carry the show. That can’t be said for the UK Tour of Grease, the production value of this show is incredible. In fact, of all the musical theatre shows I’ve had the privilege of seeing, this one is at the top when it comes to production value. It’s clear that there was no expense spared on the set, lighting, props, costumes, and even pyrotechnics. As soon as you enter the auditorium, you’re greeted with a huge, lit-up sign that reads ‘Rydell High School’. This circular staging soon becomes the home of radio host Johnny Casino, who spends most of the show suspended above the rest of the cast. The set and the transitions were slick and spectacular; I felt immersed into a 1950’s American high school.
A massive bravo must go to the cast of Grease, who left us in awe with their incredible voices and dancing. I didn’t know where to look during the Hand Jive, they moved so fast and so brilliantly, and didn’t put a foot out of line. It’s clear that the cast are the best of the best at what they do, which makes for a great show. The same can be said for the creative team behind the scenes of the Grease UK Tour, a lot of hard work has gone into this show to make it what it is. Their choreographer deserves a medal for co-ordinating such a big cast and making it seem so effortless!
Something you must know if you are going to see the stage version of Grease is that it differs from the movie slightly. All your favourite hits are there, so don’t panic, it’s mainly that there are extra songs that you won’t have heard before. There are a couple of extra nuggets in the story too, mainly with characters and relationships, but nothing that strays from the main storyline of Danny, Sandy, and the Pink Ladies. It’s in the Wales Millennium Centre until this Saturday the 7th September. We are so lucky to have such big shows right on our doorstep in the Welsh capital, you’d be Hopeless(ly Devoted) to miss this one. Find out more and get your tickets here: https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2024/grease-the-musical
