Whether it’s because of the ‘automatic’ Morris Minor classic car or because of the flashing lighting: just before the premiere of Grease starts, a stop jumps. Fortunately, after 45 minutes the damage has been repaired and the show can begin. Only two moving walls do not move from their place throughout the performance. Just like the car in the show, it took a lot of tinkering, but once the engine is running, this musical is an irresistible ride.
Also read this report: Who will be the stars of musical Grease? In ‘Looking for…’ only the TV viewers decide
For the Dutch theater audience grease a well-known title, with previous productions in 2006 and 2015, among others. Yet this new performance, directed by Servé Hermans, manages to surprise. It even looks fresh, that simple story about ‘high school sweethearts’ Danny and Sandy, who meet each other at school after a summer fling and suffer from the social pressure of their classmates. The popular Danny brags to his mates and Sandy’s friends think she’s a prude.
This story takes shape in a spectacular setting (particularly for a touring production) by Joris van Veldhoven: a garage annex school canteen, which is easily transformed into a bar or dance floor. There are stackable boxes and mobile stairs, which the players use to create even more dynamics. Supplemented with bold lighting and infectiously playful choreographies by Daan Wijnands, this performance rains color and the momentum is good. The band, which has a prominent place in the stage image, makes a party of the arrangements by Ad van Dijk and Marco Braam.
Machos and yearning girls
The fact that this musical sparkles so much is also due to the cast. A large part of the young ensemble has just finished a theater course or is still studying. In addition, the leading roles are played by Tristan van der Lingen and Danique Graanoogst. Viewers of the TV program Seeking… crowned them Danny and Sandy early this year, and the crowd favorites don’t disappoint. Both effortlessly captivate you with their charisma and vocal abilities.
In addition, Van der Lingen gives his Danny a charming kind of sillyness, in addition to the bravura that we know from Travolta’s portrayal in the 1978 film version. He is less dangerous, but no less convincing than Casanova. In addition, there are nice roles of the older guard, with Marjolijn Touw in a comic double role as a teacher and pub owner, and William Spaaij as the slick radio icon Vince Fontaine.
Content drives grease on the tension between macho boys and yearning girls. Stereotyping and sexism are lurking, but director Hermans has made a brave attempt to make the performance a little more contemporary. For example, during ‘Greased Lightnin’ women also dance through the car garage in overalls and things are brewing between two of Danny’s friends.
Although Allard Blom’s translation sometimes sounds a bit old-fashioned, the performance feels modern. This is also due to the headstrong Rizzo (nice role by Esmée Dekker), who, for example, takes matters into her own hands if she likes someone. Of course there are sweet duets, but the performance avoids clichés. So gives grease a portrait of America in the fifties, but there is also much to enjoy for the modern viewer.