InTheatre Productions UK Tour of Grease The Musical has come to Glasgow from June 17 to June 22 and it’s the one that you’ll want to see if you’re looking for a theatre night out.
The brand new production is direct from a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at Leicester Curve, directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Arlene Phillips and Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
Summer’ Lovin
After a summer romance, greaser Danny Zuko and girl-next-door Sandy Dumbrowski are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High. Will they hand jive their way into each others hearts or will their differences draw them apart?
This adaptation is far from the film. The tone is grittier, there’s some songs not in the film and the songs you know from the film aren’t in the same places. But this makes for a more cohesive, energetic performance. The Burger Palace Boys (T-Birds in the film) are more like greasers than their screen counterparts, getting into gang wars and fighting with the police. The grittiness isn’t dissimilar to the Jet’s in West Side Story and counteracts some of the cheesiest elements of the production (but don’t worry, there’s plenty of lovin’ going on too).
The production value is outstanding, the set is framed like a high school gym with scene/song transitions featuring Vince Fontaine’s radio show to combat the dead-air feeling many shows face during changes.
The cast is also oustanding. U/S Danny Ben Middleton took the stage on Monday night and added his own spin to the role, not over-relying on Travolta’s (1978 film) performance for tips.
Electrifying!
However it was Rebecca Stenhouse as Rizzo & George Michaelides as Kenickie who stole the show. Stenhouse stunned with a powerful There Are Worse Things I Could Do and Michaelides and ensemble gave an electric performance of Grease Lightning. On the topic of the ensemble, vocally, this is one of the most impressive I’ve ever heard. All were on top form and the dancing was kept at a constant energy throughout. There was no weak link in the cast.
The 50s vibes are perfectly captured with old-timey tunes on the radio in the background and the costuming (leather jackets, black vests, tight t-shirts and buckled jeans) adds some grit as well.
As for the classic soundtrack of Grease everybody is accustomed to, the orchestrations and band were A+ and the mega-mix at the end which got the audience up out their seats, singing and dancing was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful night out.
Grease really is the word. Don’t miss out on this stunning production.
Book tickets for the remainder of the Glasgow dates here.
Featured Images Credit: Grease The Musical
He/Him
Arts Editor 24/25
Press email: arts@brignews.com
