The long-running production that premiered in 1972 is as unmovable as a T-Birds D.A quiff. Grease is still the word and the wistful tones radiating from Rydell High’s class of ’58 have been repackaged for today’s youths.
Starring Tom Parker from the boy band The Wanted as Danny, Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as Sandy and Darren Day as Teen Angel. The charismatic ensemble keeps this well-known fable of a good girl gone bad distractingly entertaining, despite its dated messaging.
Where stage musicals often falter due to pacing and casting, the entire spectacle of Grease allots its time evenly. The collaborative cast is separated for solos or duets and highlight every member of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies gang in their all-encompassing story.
As a result, the time flew by as the equally effortless sets seamlessly moved along with every song performed. By the second half, The Palace Theatre’s audience were blaring Hopelessly Devoted alongside Danielle Hope with the productions newest members turning Grease into a live sing-a-long.
The unruly teens performed cherished hits, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin’ as each character had their time to shine on stage with a solo singing or dancing performance complete with backing dancers, costume changes, lavish props and accompanied by a live band.
Despite the questionable context, the nostalgic group of ditzy, greased haired, cigarette flicking rebels took their audience back to a simpler time. This old-fashioned, clichéd and endlessly entertaining production is an easy-going winner.
You can also watch Grease Live on Amazon