Grease seems like it was made for the stage. The original movie had big dance numbers, bright costumes and melodramatic love stories and if that’s not Broadway fodder I don’t know what is. The show is on stage, presented by Broadway Across America, at Clowes Memorial Hall.
Danny, a bad boy from the T-Birds gang, falls for the innocent Sandy. The T-Birds female counterparts, the sassy Pink Ladies, have a hard time accepting Sandy because of her sweet nature. If you’ve seen the movie, you certainly know what to expect; horny teenagers trying to find the balance between love, sex and peer acceptance while singing great 1950s style songs.
Old favorites, like “Greased Lightning” and “We Go Together” transition perfectly from the silver screen. There are also a few new numbers added to the mix, all in that same ’50 Top 40 style. “Beauty School Drop Out” actually seems better suited for the stage production than the movie. In the movie it’s an odd deviation from the main story, while in this show, it’s a sweet and amusing number with good
vocals.
During the school dance taffeta flies through the air as the students swirl and hand jive in their bright formal wear. Other scenes have Rydell high students crooning at the drive-in or a slumber party. In Tuesday’s performance, Dominic Fortuna took on the role of Vince Fontaine and pulled double duty as an opening act. His friendly banter with the audience and energetic singing got everyone into the mood for the show.
Bottom line, if you grew up loving the movie, you’re sure to enjoy this. Though the characters may not have the same relatable charisma as the film, it’s an entertaining show that will remind you of the songs you used to sing-along to.
Don't Miss the Show
The show runs until Sunday, March 27 at Clowes Memorial Hall so hurry to get tickets to the show. Tickets can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, The Murat Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
As next month’s Rock of Ages brings Broadway Across America’s season to a close, audience members can look forward to next season’s options. BAA announced its 2011-2012 season which includes familiar favorites and a new title fresh from Broadway.
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast - October 11-16, 2011 - Clowes Memorial Hall
The romantic Broadway musical for all generations, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Indianapolis! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song.
Million Dollar Quartet - December 13-18, 2011 - Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Million Dollar Quartet is the smash hit Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be
one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. The production brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Hound Dog” and more.
Fiddler On The Roof - March 6-11, 2012 - Murat Theatre at Old National Center
The Tony Award® winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal, embarks on its North American Tour. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” the show is a timeless classic. No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Relive a glorious tradition of the musical theatre with Fiddler On The Roof.
Les Miserables - April 10-15, 2012 - Clowes Memorial Hall
Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Miserables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Miserables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The musical includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master Of The House” and many more.
Photos Courtesy of JOAN MARCUS, © 2010
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