Review by Christine Stewart-Corke
A classic I have seen many times before, but I was keen to venture out and be away from screens and the demands of a busy life. The Red Door Theatre provides a table seating arrangement, with drinks and nibbles available. I was poised with the anticipation to be entertained and uplifted.
Set against the backdrop of 1950 school life, Grease is a well-known musical made popular by the movie of the same name released in 1978. A typical boy meets girl romance. Danny, a Greaser, (Joel Sangster), meets sweet and well-behaved Sandy (Yasmine Ismael) while on summer holiday.
When they unexpectedly reconnect on their return to the realities of school life and peer pressures, they realise the memories of their romance are quite different, as are their lives. Choices and compromises to be made, they navigate through the challenges of life, high-school and relationships.
First night nerves were evident but the show quickly settled into the storyline with believable friendship group of The Pink Ladies: Jan (Michaela Carruthers), Marty (Maddy Armstrong), Frenchy (Ella Bogle) and an amazing performance of Rizzo, considering it was a last minute cast change due to covid, to include Sophie McCarlie in the role.
The T-Birds were well represented: Kenickie (Hayden Jefcoate), Doody (Florian Schrimf), outstanding debut performance of Rodger (Chey Habib), and we enjoyed Madeline Bethwaite playing the role of Sonny. The characters Eugene (Neo Gunn-Stringer) and Patty (Poppy Hogan) were portrayed with excellence.
Although dialogue was sometimes rushed and difficult to hear, the singing was excellent. Especially the harmonies in “Mooning”, “Freddie my love”, and “Beauty School drop-out”. The audience swayed and sung along to Grease Lightning, Hopelessly Devoted and Summer Loving. A great night was had by all.
Grease is on at Red Door Theatre on Atawhai Drive from 30 November until 10 December. Tickets can be purchased here.
