‘I got chills, they’re multiplying…’
Is how I felt watching this show last night.
From 1950s Chicago to 2020s Sheffield, the household classic, Grease, has been touring again, with the Lyceum as its last stop this year. Though initially a stage musical based on the working-class youth subculture of ‘greasers,’ you probably know it more as the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. It’s a very famous and well-loved film so no wonder it was my first exposure to the musical too, and I was very excited to see it performed on stage. Whether it’s the 1971 musical or 1978 film, the storyline is essentially the same, and the production is a warm exercise in nostalgia.
If you don’t know what Grease is about, we follow Danny and Sandy after their summer romance, separated because of distance but reunited after Sandy unexpectedly transfers to Rydell High. We follow them navigating the differences between their summer selves and school selves, the realities, cliques, pressures, angst and heartache all typical of teenage life. Of course it’s not complete without the leather and jazzy music of the 50s (and I obviously couldn’t attend without my all-black ensemble and leather jacket).
I’ll be honest, at the very beginning of the show, I did feel a little disconnected from some of the acting and dancing - it felt stiff at the start, but the actors all quickly loosened up and were clearly enjoying themselves throughout the whole show.
Despite that tiny thing, right from the get-go, I was very impressed with the set and staging. There was the ever-present circular centrepiece, which formed Vince Fontaine’s radio station that offered commentary on the plot and grounded the audience, as well as providing a backdrop during transitioning scenes. I felt its use and lights surrounding it very effective in elevating the story and audience immersion. With that as the establishing asset of the set, the other elements, like stairs, a car, beds, tables, gym equipment, all came together in varying scenes to set the different locations and distinguish each from the other. There was clearly a lot of effort going into staging each scene, and the transitions between them were smooth in movement and lighting.
The lighting and effects played a key role in not only captivating the audience but amplifying that buzz and energy. The slow songs were made more moving and ethereal with the use of spotlights and fog coming into the audience, while the upbeat songs went all out with flames, sparks, flashing lights. With the complete use of all the effects, lights, sound, and making use of the entire stage space, the show was a delight to watch.
All the beloved classics were played, like You’re The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted To You, but my favourite number of the whole night was Greased Lightning. Ben Nicholas killed it as Kenickie, in demeanour, acting, and singing. The use of the set and effects during that song completely wowed me. I loved the extravagant lighting, sparks flying in the background, complementing the joyful singing and choreography.
Not only were all the cast incredible actors and singers, but impressive dancers too. The choreography made my jaw drop in awe. The entire ensemble was so flexible, agile, quick and synchronised, it was some of the most fun I’ve had watching a musical. There was always something going on, regardless of where and at whom you looked on stage. The pacing kept everyone interested - it was fun, witty, and comical, while also exploring the common pressures of high school, lost potential, and self-identity.
Adding to all the intense immersion I felt watching the show, it really felt like being transported to a musical high school in Chicago in the 50s with the fitting curly hair and bouffants, the trademark dresses of that era, and the leather. It certainly was an interesting look inside the dynamics of greasers and the relationships between those on the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ and those on the ‘right side.’
At the Lyceum until Saturday, you can still get tickets for Grease now - bag them fast, they’re limited and so worth it.
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