GREASE

 

GREASE Book Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Director Bradley McDowell. Choreographer Jordan Kell. Musical Director Ella Ragless. Conductor Craig Johnson. Dance Captain Charlotte Cox. Intimacy Coordinator Jill Young. Stage Manager Lucy Van Dooren. Erindale Theatre. Canberra Philharmonic Society and Erindale Theatre. August 27 – September 12 2026. Bookings philo.org.au

Reviewed by Peter Wilkins

From the opening number, Canberra Philharmonic thunders out a  piston-pumping production of the hit musical Grease.  Grease is a triple threat musical as American as Pumpkin Pie and director Bradley McDowell, Musical Director Ella Ragless, and Choreographer Jordan Kelly with their assistants have turned out a foot-tapping, cheering production that explodes with the exuberance and vitality of a top-notch ensemble of performers who show that they can sing, dance and act their way through a musical that is showing no sign of aging.

Samuel Whiter as Danny. Ashleigh Maynard as Sandy

McDowell and his team have kept the flavour of Grease's origins as far back as the 50’s at Rydell High, but forged a more eclectic version of Rock, Pop and Swing, Jive, Jitterbug and Twist even. Anachronism aside, Philo’s production is about energy and colour as McDowell suggests in his Director’s Notes. This version has plenty of that in the large Chorus numbers (Grease (Is the word), Shakin at The High School Hop or We Go Together (Finale). It explodes in Kelly’s highly physical choreography that is slick and snappy. This is given additional gusto with Alex Clifford’s lighting design and James McPherson’s sound design as well as the orchestra under Craig Johnson’s baton. Every aspect of this finely tuned production has been carefully detailed and the cast rise to the occasion with all the enthusiasm of amateurs in the true sense of the word – an ensemble of performers who love what they do and have the skill to hit the mark in their acting, singing and dancing, a joyous triple threat of the American musical genre.

Georgia Motto as Rizzo. Joseph Mansell as Kenickie

The challenge in producing a musical that has entertained millions on stage and film for half a century is to make it fresh, as though staged for the first time and offering new insight. McDowell has done this by approaching the musical as a rock musical. Kelly has introduced unique choreographic movements that keep pace with Raglessess’ lively arrangements, and has brought some new songs from the film to the stage version.

Danny, Kenickie, Sonny, Roger and Doody in Greased Lightning

But it is the attention to character by the cast that set this performance in many ways apart from other productions I have seen, and there have been many. What struck me was the vulnerability that cast members brought to their characters. Senior school can be a tough time, and beneath the male bravado and macho posturing or the girl’s cliquiness that disguises the insecurity that 18 year olds can experience as they face the future. Samuel Whiter’s Danny Zuko has it when he is initially forced to play the cool dude in front of Sandy (Ashleigh Maynard) Georgia Motto’s Rizzo is made to confront her fears when others learn of her pregnancy. Maynard’s Sandy faces the awkward challenge of fitting in and in a perfectly managed transition shakes off the insecurity by asserting her control (You’re the One I Want). It is to the credit of the performers that they are able to bring out a layer to their performance that gives this production insight that in no way diminishes the sheer fun and entertainment of Grease

 

Sandy (Ashleigh Maynard) and the girls in Summer Nights

There is not a weak moment in this show and every member of the company onstage and behind the scenes gives their all to make it a night to remember. In addition to Whiter (Greased Lightning), Maynard (Hopelessly Devoted) and Motto (There Are Worse Thing I Could Do), there are others in the cast who deserve special mention including Meaghan Stewart’s feisty, firebrand teacher Miss Lynch, Emma English’s Beauty School Dropout Frenchy, and comical nerd couple Patty (Chloe Archer) and Eugene (Edward Murphy) join the other students of Rydell High in this hilarious glimpse of life beyond the classroom. There are excellent performances too from the adults in the room; Michael Cooper gives a smarmy performance of celebrity guest Vince Fontaine. Declan Pigram is a gangly MC and Dave Collins makes his cameo appearance a commanding presence as Teen Angel.

Sandy (Ashleigh Maynard). Rizzo (Georgia Motto). Jan (Kay Liddiard).
Frenchy (Emma English) and Marty (ErinHawker) in Grease.

There are two great reasons for making sure that you don’t miss this show. One, you are a fan and love Grease. Two, you’ve never seen Grease on stage and Philo has turned out the best production you are likely to see in a long long time.  

Photos: Photox