Grease the musical opened on Broadway in 1972 and shimmied and rocked its way into America’s heart. In 1978, the major motion picture featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John sealed the show’s place in American culture, and theaters have continued to turn to this popular show as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But Grease is more than a hand jiving good time. It’s a show that reminds us how difficult those perilous teen years can be, the anxiety of not fitting in, and the power of friendship and community. Yet even with all its issues of peer pressure, misogyny, and grooming, there is still a lot to celebrate in Grease.
The story takes place in a lower-middle-class urban high school in 1959. Sandy Dumbrowski, new to the area, spends the summer with Danny Zuko at the beach. They think their summer romance is over, but Sandy ends up at Rydell High with Danny Zuko and his gang of greasers. The Pink Ladies take Sandy in and show her the ropes. But Sandy’s clean-cut image doesn’t fit with Danny’s school persona, and they each must decide who they are and what they want.
Altarena Playhouse’s cast of Grease is a tight unit that plays well off each other’s energy. Kit Town as Sandy Dubrowski brings amazing vocals and presence to the role. Luc Leffe as Danny Zuko has a great smirk and killer vocals. He presents a different take on Danny, one that is a little less intimidating than we normally see. Emma Roth as Jan and Roberto Ruiz Jr. as Roger are simply delightful. They provide a lightness and comedy that help us remember that these characters are supposed to be teenagers. Heather Warren Camacho as Patty Simcox is a perfect busy-body Karen who yet manages to show vulnerability. Liam Cody as Kenickie is the true bad boy of the group, and he gives this role all the frustrated anger of a teenager with few life options.
The night, however, belonged to Seana Nicol as Rizzo. The power of her performance is still lingering in my mind. Her ability to reflect the very specific Rizzo attitude, even while dancing, was spot on. She gives a complete performance, from her heartbreaking rendition of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” to her cutting retorts to her eyes flashing with anger, resentment, and hurt. She simply nails it.
When Altarena Playhouse announced that their season would include Grease, my first thought was how are they going to fit that show into their space? But Director Jacquie Duckworth, Scenic Designer Tom Curtin, and Scenic Painter Elinoar Almagor did just that. The back wall with hidden closets make the most of the space while reducing the time of transitions. It also creates a space for the house band, whose excellent work helps to infuse the show with energy. Choreographer Shelly McDowell pulls out the stops and creates memorable moments while making the dances seem bigger than the space. Duckworth’s blocking makes use of every inch of space without making it feel crowded. Together, the artistic team achieves the goal of fitting a big show into a small space by using creative problem-solving rather than comprising movement or the story.
The ’50s-style falsettos, fast-paced hand jive, black leather and pink satin jackets are all part of our collective memory. Even if it’s been decades since you have seen Grease, chances are the lyrics still hold residence in your brain. It’s one of those shows that captured your imagination as a youth, but also has the substance to grow with you. Whether you are coming for nostalgia or a new experience, Grease has something to offer.
UPDATE: Friday, April 4th. In a Facebook Post, Altarena Playhouse announced that due to COVID-19 concerns GREASE has been cancelled Friday April 4th thru Sunday April 6th. Patrons will be contacted directly.
Grease plays at the Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, through April 27. To purchase tickets online or learn more about Grease and other productions, visit the Altarena Playhouse website.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
