It's Grease - but perhaps not as you know it - at His Majesty's Theatre this week. Image - supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
There’s a new show in town and Grease is definitely the word on everyone’s lips after last night’s opening of the high-octane musical which delighted audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Fans – like me- who are only familiar with the 1978 box office busting movie version of Grease, which propelled Australian belle Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta to stardom, will be surprised by this new revival of the original, grittier, show which has its roots firmly set in Chicago and not California.
The story still has the romance of Danny and Sandy at its heart, but they are different to the familiar movie characterisations.
High-octane musical thrills with Grease at HMT. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
Sandy Dumbrowski played by Hope Dawe is, as her name suggests, not from Down Under. Danny Zuko, played by Ben Middleton last night, is a slightly rougher member of the Burger Palace Boys gang.
Original versions of the musical numbers are given prominence and some of the popular hit tunes are set in different parts of the storyline in this revived stage adaptation.
The surprises are, however, welcome ones and it certainly kept me on my toes and made me consider the social commentary of the original show more carefully.
Hope delivers a standout performance as Sandy and holds her own with some terrific solo numbers, including the heart melting classic Hopelessly Devoted to You.
Ben Middleton took on the lead roles as Danny Zuko in Tuesday's opening night show at HMT. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
But Sandy isn’t given as much of the limelight as you might expect in this take on the musical.
Greater prominence is given to the hugely talented ensemble of 24 individuals who bring this tale of life in the 50s, through the eyes of high school kids, to life.
Understudy Ben Middleton took the lead as Danny Zuko and gave a credible performance a restless and slightly rebellious suburban Chicago high school adolescent.
Both the set and stage are packed with action and the choreography by Arlene Phillips adds excitement and some dazzling routines to the fantastic moments of musical magic throughout the show.
The Pink Ladies add fun and touching moments throughout the show and Rebecca Stenhouse shines as the street-wise leader of the pack, Rizzo.
Hope Dawe in the limelight as Sandy. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Comparisons will always be made with the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John movie as the courting couple - Danny and Sandy who meet over Summer Nights and later become 'an item' at High School.
But anyone going along to this adaptation should do so with an open mind and expectation of seeing a fresh revival of this cult classic.
The storyline and score do hold surprises but the familiar backdrop of Rydell High, fast cars, American diners and school proms together with the familiar hit foot-tapping musical numbers and a magical megamix finale guarantee that you will still leave HMT during this week’s summer nights run feeling like you have had a blast!
Grease The Musical runs until Saturday, July 6. For more information and tickets go here.
Review by Shona Byrne