Harrogate St Andrew’s Players (HSAP) have returned to Harrogate Theatre with a vibrant and nostalgic production of Grease the Musical. While it might not surpass last year's glittering rendition of Priscilla Queen ofthe Desert, this show certainly hits the mark with its energy and charm—if you were fortunate enough to grab a ticket to the sold-out run, you are in for a treat. However, one cannot help but wonder if the musical’s core themes, once fitting for the late 70s, still hold up today. The idea of "girl meets boy, girl changes to fit in" might feel a bit out of sync with modern sensibilities, prompting the question: has Grease had its day, or is it time for a
refresh?
The production launches with a powerful rendition of "Grease is the Word," featuring the entire cast in an explosive opening number that sets the tone for the evening. Luke Wilby shines in the role of Danny Zuko, bringing a cool and polished edge to the character, especially in his performance of "Sandy" during the “Stranded at the Drive-In” scene. Playing opposite him as Sandy Dumbrowski, Caitlin Magee blends innocence with resolve, delivering a heartfelt rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You," which beautifully showcases her vocal talents.
Kirsty O’Sullivan as Rizzo and Chris Mooney as Kenickie also give memorable performances. Mooney leads the cast in an electrifying "Greased Lightning," which engages the entire ensemble, while O’Sullivan’s portrayal of Rizzo is full of depth and emotion, particularly in her numbers "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" and "Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee."
Some of the most delightful performances come from the supporting cast. Abhishek Roy (Sonny), Kelly Amy Johnson (Frenchy), Casey Healey (Roger), Josh Steer (Doody), and Lauren Dunwell (Jan) each bring their characters to life with charm and commitment. The numbers "Those Magic Changes" and "Rock ’n’ Roll Party Queen," led by Healey and Steer, stand out for their spirited vocals, making them real crowd-pleasers. Another favourite and HSAP regular is Charlotte McCamley as Marty who is in fine voice, as always, leading the song “Freddy My Love’. Additionally, Lilly Harris as Patty Simcox, Jack Moran as Eugene, and HSAP veteran Alex Hogg
as Vince Fontaine contribute solid, enjoyable performances.
Under the musical direction of Jim Lunt, a small band of just six musicians delivers a surprisingly full sound, and the cast’s vocal performances are spot on throughout. However, there were moments where the band and tracks overpowered the live vocals, and it would have been nice to hear the singers more clearly in those instances.
Louise Dennison’s choreography is, as always, varied and inclusive of the entire cast, with highlights like "We Go Together," "Shakin’ at the High School Hop," "Born to Hand Jive," and the iconic "You’re the One That I Want."
While the energetic dance numbers are enjoyable, there were moments when a more gradual build from acting into dance might have added emotional depth. This, however, is a matter of personal preference.
The set design, though basic, felt a bit worn in places, and a few unnecessary scene changes caused slight delays that could have been handled more efficiently by the cast. On the plus side, the costumes were vibrant, period-appropriate, and added plenty of visual flair to the production.
The evening concludes with a lively mega-mix of Grease’s greatest hits, guaranteed to get the audience on their feet and singing along. While the musical’s traditional themes might feel dated in today’s world, HSAP’s Grease offers a fun, nostalgia-packed night out for fans of the show and musical theatre alike.
Stuart Hutchinson
Comments