Energised, bouncy, well-choreographed and attractively costumed vehicle. (Review by Caroline Smart)Westville Boys’ High School’s production of Grease coincides with the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the stage production on Broadway. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the show went on to become a smash-hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
The Westville Boys High show has a solid production team with Devin Möller as director, Luke Holder as musical director and Fiona Barnes as choreographer. Adding their award-winning technical skills is the professional team of sound designer Megan Levy and lighting designer Mike Broderick.
From the moment he sings his first note, Emile van Staden as Danny sets a high vocal benchmark for the production. His opening number is well-phrased and controlled and I look forward to seeing more from this talented young man.
Playing opposite him as Sandy, Loryn Julius confidently handles the role of the naiive girl who goes through an emotional time when she discovers that the charming young man she fell in love with turns out to be a member of a macho gang and vigorously refuses to show any sign of romantic weakness in front of his peers. Her Hopelessly Devoted to You was one of the highlights of the show.
Notable performances come from the geeky Eugene played by Steffen Wies as well as Danny’s gang – Travis Weber (Kenickie); Byron Praetor-Cunningham (Sonny); Aaron Reardon (Doody), and Seth Parkin (Roger).
The same goes for the Pink Ladies who try to modernise Sandy. Despite her youth, Sarah Heron handles the tricky part of Rizzo with conviction. Morgan Kramm as Frenchy is a delight as were Emily Nairn (Marty) and Nikita Simone Pillay (Jan). Tayla Moodie was suitably boisterous as Patty and Tamryn Woolacott nearly stole the show as Cha-Cha.
In his programme notes, director Devin Möller defends his choice of what he calls a “soft-option for high schools” because “it deals with issues that our young people face every day, particularly the horrors of peer-pressure, under-age sexual relations, lawlessness and loneliness”.
These themes are well highlighted in what is an energised bouncy, well-choreographed and attractively costumed vehicle. All credit to the 60-strong company for handling the stage setting in a professional manner. The 14 member orchestra is placed in a pit a mere gangway’s width away from the edge of the stage.
Fitting the period, the set pieces were functional and Patrick Lettman has created an impressive full-sized “Greased Lightning” automobile.
Presented in association with DALRO SA, Grease runs at the Roy Couzens Theatre, Westville Boys’ High School, until May 26 at 19h00 (matinee on May 19 at 14h30). There will be a performance on May 20 at 15h00 but no show on May 21. Tickets R60 (R30 scholars) and matinee tickets R30. Booking through the school on 031 267 1330. – Caroline Smart
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