I am pretty confident mine will be the first review for Tuacahn Ampitheatre’s new production of the classic musical Grease. I can say that because they were kind enough to allow me to review a preview performance of the show so I could fit it into my Southern Utah trip in July. Thank you to Tuacahn for being so accommodating and supportive (they are also letting me record my show Friday Flicks there which I am very grateful for.) Obviously some changes may be made after previews but hopefully any critiques I have will be seen as helpful to the show’s success more than anything else. Truth is I really enjoyed this bubbly piece of escapist entertainment especially the dynamic and exciting dance choreography.

Grease is of course a well-loved musical about kids in the 1950s and in particular Sandy and Danny who fall in love over a summer but find high school dynamics more perilous. Some have claimed Grease is outdated an sexist and I actually bought into this idea for a while but I’ve come to rethink these takes. Sandy doesn’t change because she has to in order to get her man. He has already joined the track team and is wearing a letterman’s jacket (ultimate uncool for the Burger Palace Boys.) He’s already changed for her. She is tired of being judgmental and conservative so SHE decides to change and asks Frenchy for help. Isn’t that what feminism is all about? Giving women options and the ability to chose to be whomever they want to be?

Anyway, back to Tuacahn my favorite aspect of this production is the dancing and it being Grease there’s a lot of dancing. The show is directed by Aaron DeJesus and choreographed by Candi Boyd and they do a great job of filling the large stage with movement. And not only that but there is variety to the movement. Especially in the school dance songs like “Born to Hand Jive” and “Shakin at the High School Hop” every couple has a unique set of choreography making it very fun and exciting to watch.

The cast is also across the board strong with Christian Tyler Dorey stealing the show as Teen Angel/ Johnny Casino. None of these performers look like high school students in the least but that’s basically the grand tradition of Grease at this point. Kyle Southern and Malia Monk have sweet chemistry as Danny and Sandy respectively. I also thought Mary Savocchia and Sittichai Chaiyahat are a hoot as Jan and Roger. The costumes by Julie Thiry are another highlight. I appreciate they actually feel like clothes from the time instead of over-the-top costumes we often see (except for Teen Angel obviously.) My only small gripe with the costumes was having Sandy in jeans for “Hopelessly Devoted to You” seems like a strange choice. Of course, in the movie she’s in her nightgown for that song but jeans seem quite forward for that character at that point in her story. I know it’s hot, but I’d have the students wear their club jacks more because especially with the boys there doesn’t feel much contrast between them and Danny when he’s wearing the letterman’s jacket at the end.

I also think it’s surprising to have Rizzo, Sandy, Marty and Patty all with blonde hair. I guess there’s no reason particularly Rizzo can’t have blonde hair I’m just used to seeing her styled very differently than Sandy. Rizzo is played by Julianne Roberts and she has a terrific edgy singing voice perfect for the character. I was surprised they didn’t have Frenchy played by Kelsey Lee Smith have pink hair before “Beauty School Dropout.” They change it to brown (or at least that’s how it appeared to the audience) over the course of the song but it’s funnier with the pink hair. That said I enjoyed Dorey so much as Teen Angel it didn’t matter.

Seeing a classic show like Grease under the starry sky with a crowd is such a fun experience. In a lot of ways it feels like a perfect show for summer. I love hearing classic songs like “You’re the One that I want” and “Summer Nights.” Fortunately you have a while to see it at Tuacahn with it playing through October 22nd. Go and have a great time with this rock and roll party show. Tickets can be purchased here.

Grease has music, lyrics and book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It first premiered in Chicago in 1971 (I interviewed Marilu Henner who was in that debut cast here) and then on Broadway in 1972. It has been revived many times. The feature film was released in 1972 and is one of the most successful filmed musicals ever.

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