Broadway San Jose’s production of Grease opened last night to a packed house at the Center for the Performing Arts. Many readers probably have seen the beloved movie based off the musical – well, if that’s all you’ve seen, then you haven’t truly seen Grease! Nothing can match the wonderful energy of the talented actors and musicians who made the story truly come alive onstage in a way no movie can.
The acting was wonderful, and it was very refreshing to see that the actors truly developed the characters themselves instead of copying the movie’s choices. Each actor had a stunning voice. It sure was a surprise when the slightly geeky but adorable Doody (played by Marc Winski) started singing “Those Magic Changes” with a magic voice! Sandy (played by Alyssa Herrera) and Danny (played by Matt Nolan) were adorable together (I thought the height difference made it all the more adorable). The sound of their voices together was harmonic. The audience received a treat by having Matt Nolan onstage. He was one of the finalists on NBC’s “Grease: You’re the One that I Want.” We see why!
The Pink Ladies were great. The characters: Jan (played by Lauren Turner), Marty (played by Alicia Kelly), Rizzo (played by Lauren Elaine Taylor) and Frenchy (played by Ashley Rubin) were cast perfectly. Rizzo was definitely the bad girl we all know and love, but her internal struggle (and attempts to cover up those weaknesses) was clear and very well-done. After all, we need to see that more human side, and she nailed it. I’m sure this was also due to the director. Based on what I saw onstage, the director, David O’Brien, knew what he was doing! Not only could these ladies sing and act, they could dance! Every woman in the show was a triple threat.
The T-Birds were also wonderful. A truly thrilling part of the show is “Greased Lightnin'.” This number is always a favorite, but there was an audible gasp as the men transformed a rusty, beat-up car into Greased Lightning right on stage. At that moment, I’m pretty sure most (if not all) people in the audience wanted that car (luckily, there were similar cars parked outside to get audience members in the mood for the show and provide them with a great photo opportunity). I believe that Kenickie, played by Patrick Cragin, was played better than any other actor I’ve seen in the role – that includes the movie. He was tough, he was mysterious, but he was not without feeling. He was a perfect match to Rizzo, and their chemistry was steaming. All the men were great singers and impressive dancers (especially the Greased Lightnin' dance pictured in the slideshow).
A nice treat was having Eddie Mekka of TV’s classic, “Laverne & Shirley” in the role of Vince Fontaine. He did some dance moves and stunts that I know I couldn’t do! He’s still got it! I also was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Lynch, played by Kelly Teal Goyette. Generally, the character is the boring disciplinary teacher that we love to hate. However, Goyette offers a surprise at the end that blew the audience away. I won’t spoil it!
The clothing of the 50s was just so much fun. Some audience members even dressed the part! The costume designer, Martin Pakledinaz, brought that feeling to the stage and made us all want to dress like that again (maybe without all the hair grease though).
The costumes, sets, music and talent onstage and off made Grease a wonderful show. One audience member remarked, “I think this is one of the best shows I’ve been to!” You don’t want to miss it, and you’re sure to feel great afterwards. Come see Broadway San Jose’s production of Grease at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. The show runs January 18th – 23rd. For tickets and more information, please visit www.broadwaysanjose.com.
Remember, Grease is the word!
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