Showing posts sorted by date for query Grease. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Grease. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Wednesday 22 July 2020
Grease UK Tour starring Peter Andre to return in 2021
The producers of the first new production in 25 years of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical Grease, are delighted that the show will tour the UK and Ireland in 2021. The musical was due to tour in 2020 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
Following his success starring in the UK and Ireland tour in 2019, Peter Andre will star in the 2021 tour at certain venues and performances (Plymouth, Cardiff, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Dublin, Liverpool, Bromley, Southampton, Nottingham, Manchester, Dartford, Canterbury and Birmingham). As well as reprising the role of Teen Angel, Andre will also play Vince Fontaine.
The 2021 tour will begin at Theatre Royal Plymouth, running from 22 – 30 January, and will then play Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff from 1 – 6 February, Bristol Hippodrome from 8 – 13 February, Edinburgh Festival Theatre from 16 – 20 February, Norwich Theatre Royal from 22 – 27 February, Milton Keynes Theatre from 1 – 6 March, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin from 16 – 27 March, The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 29 March – 3 April, Liverpool Empire from 5 – 10 April, Sheffield Lyceum from 12 – 17 April, Churchill Theatre, Bromley from 19 – 24 April, Stoke Regent Theatre from 3 – 8 May, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from 11 – 15 May, Grand Opera House, Belfast from 18 – 22 May, Theatre Royal Nottingham from 24 – 29 May, Royal & Derngate Northampton from 31 May – 5 June, Palace Theatre Manchester from 7 – 19 June, The Orchard Theatre Dartford from 21 – 26 June, The Marlowe Canterbury from 28 June – 3 July, The Sands Centre, Carlisle from 6-10 July and The Alexandra, Birmingham from 12 – 17 July.
Andre said "I was so thrilled to have been returning to Grease this year as I had the most wonderful time last year working with our incredible cast and creative team. Sadly, this year's tour had to be postponed due to COVID-19 but I'm overjoyed that we can return in 2021. Grease is joyous and will truly allow you to escape to a different time, with show-stopping dance routines and some of the most iconic songs of all time. It's a show about solidarity and it celebrates friendship. As the song goes, We Go Together!"
Grease is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and 2021 tour casting by Kay Magson CDG, with original tour casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This new production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Hunter Arnold, Araca and Curve.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Friday 5 July 2019
Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky on Taking Her Version of Rizzo on Tour in Grease the Musical | Interview
Grease is the epitome of a cult-classic musical, after various revivals and reinventions, there's a new tour taking over the country. In this refreshed production, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky takes on the iconic role of Rizzo and took the time to chat to us all about the experience...
Tell us a bit about your career and highlights so far?
My first job out of college was cover Nabalungi/Swing in The Book Of Mormon (West End). I stayed there for a year and had the best time there. I then went into Bat Out Of Hell as ensemble/1st Cover Zahara. I have been so lucky to have the experiences I had and the memories I made on both of those jobs. We performed for Prince Harry, performed at Proms in the Park in front of thousands. Mental really. I’m now performing as Rizzo in Grease the UK and Ireland Tour and am having the time of my life. I’m so grateful for the career I’ve had so far.
You finished performing in Bat Out Of Hell at the beginning of the year which featured the iconic Jim Steinman music. Grease is a cult favourite, what’s it like bringing these well-loved songs and characters to life?
It has been amazing learning and performing this well-loved musical. I grew up with Grease, my family and I watched it pretty much every weekend, I used to sing Hopelessly Devoted To You and There Are Worse Things I Could Do to my teddies in my room haha! So to be performing in it every night really is a dream come true. I never tire of the music and it’s been amazing getting to put my own stamp on the characters, particularly Rizzo.
Rizzo is a very layered character, which sides of her are you most excited to discover and perform?
Rizzo is a very layered character indeed. I wanted to try and explore as much of her as I can, and I’m still learning about her every performance I do. I love getting to play the fun, nonchalant side of her seen in Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee as well as the heartbroken side of her in There Are Worse Things I Could Do.
Does this production stick true to expectations from the movie?
This production still has the fun loving elements from the film; however the creative team have really encouraged us to focus on the truth of the story. We are working class teenagers growing up in the 50s facing all sorts of problems such as body image, love triangles and pressures to fit into society. It’s a lot grittier than the film.
What part of touring are you most excited about?
It’s my first tour so I’m super excited to get on the road. I think I’m most excited about seeing other parts of the country and exploring. I love travelling!
If you could play any other character in the show, who would you play?
If I could play any other character in the show it would have to be Kenickie. He is just so bloody cool! He also sings Greased Lightnin’ and that gets me pumped every time I hear it.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
The last thing I do before I step on stage is usually drink some water, have a mint and take a couple of breaths just to focus myself. I start the show in the first wing on my own so it usually gives me time to get myself together and focus on the show.
You have a five minute break in rehearsals, what are you doing?
If I have 5 minutes in rehearsals I would probably be eating, ha! Or recapping dance steps usually.
What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you?
If I wasn’t an actress I would love to be a journalist. I love writing and talking to people. I have short novels that I have written at a young age in my room.
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
LOVE WHAT YOU DO! Keep yourself healthy and keep learning. Never stop working hard. See as much theatre as you can to keep your motivation going.
Grease is currently touring the UK and Ireland, information and tickets can be found here
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Thursday 15 November 2018
Grease, Bridewell Theatre | Review
Grease
Bridewell Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th November 2018 by Nicola Louise
★★
With its cheesy jokes, feel good songs and an array of over enthusiastic teenagers from the 50’s with a rebellious edge, it’s not hard to see why Grease has been at the forefront of musical theatre for over 30 decades.
Songs like You’re the One That I Want and Look at me I’m Sandra Dee have been played countless times, and sung by some well-known names. So when Rewrite This Story got invited to review an Am Dram revival of this well-loved musical, we jumped at the chance to take our seat.
Unfortunately, I wish I hadn’t been so quick off the bat, apart from Yvette Stiel (Cha Cha) and Charlie Smith (Danny) dancing to Born to Hand Jive at the school dance, there’s very little right with this show.
Danielle (Rizzo) had countless face movements, almost like she had a tick and put on a very strange New York/Boston accent which carried on through her singing, making it very hard to hear the words and almost painful to the ears. I was unsure why Director Stuart James had Danielle sing There are Worst Things I Could Do to Sandy (Laura), who looked just as confused as myself and a couple of people sitting next to me.
Casting Smith as Danny, in my opinion was not the best move. He had no charm and nothing about him screamed leader; Jarrod Hawn, who played Kenickie would have been a much better choice as I found him to have more stage presence, charm and wit.
Ellis as Sandy was a decent choice although I felt like she was cast due her voice, her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You was pitch perfect and the whole audience was captured by her and her emotion during the song. As sweet and innocent Sandy, Ellis played the role ok at first but as the show went on it looked like she was more comfortable. In the grand scheme of things this is a positive as it mirrors Sandy and her character growth but at the start just felt unsteady.
The rest of the T-Birds and Pink ladies we’re nothing special, however, I was drawn to Ashlie Kenyon-Evason who portrayed Jan, the way she bounced around stage and belted out high notes made the show watchable, as well as Kate Winney (Marty) who carried her character well and had the 'younger girl wishing to be older' scenarios down to a T.
With direction from New Zealand born Stuart James, this show is, unfortunately a massive flop, the singing was mediocre, the acting was barely there and they shoved too many people on the stage at one time making the dance scenes look messy and uncoordinated which I would have thought the choreographers, Samantha Herriot and Vanessa Forte have noticed.
Overall, the show seemed clunky and unrehearsed and this is one showing of Grease I wish to never see again.
Grease is currently playing at the Bridewell Theatre with completely sold out performances.
Tuesday 12 September 2017
Grease (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review
The turn of Grease at the Edinburgh Playhouse transformed the theatre into a lively hothouse of hand jiving, bomber jackets and 50s nostalgia. With hundreds of costume changes, multiple set changes and an enviable line-up of cast and crew, including Tom Parker of The Wanted fame, this production of Grease was far from an understated affair.
The first surprise in the production came when the curtain initially lifted to reveal an exposed upper mezzanine level to the stage, where the live band was on display for all to see. With charismatic showmanship, the flamboyant conductor introduced each of his band members with the flick of the wrist, while they in turn stood up and gestured to the audience to boast their musical prowess. As far as warm-up acts go, this one was pretty spectacular.
Cut and the band are once again hidden from view (only to emerge later in a few choice scenes), with the show’s two star-crossed lovers emerging from opposite ends of the stage, raised on pedestals in a creative use of staging. Danielle Hope astounded the audience as Sandy from the very first note, captivating even the back seats with her commanding theatrical voice, with seemingly endless levels of range and depth. Tom Parker successfully portrayed the too-cool-for-school attitude of well-loved character Danny Zucko, but the powerful contrast at play between his boy-band tones and Danielle’s finely trained voice was at times, very clear to see. His “Sandy” solo was less than electrifying, whereas Danielle’s solo performances had the audience clinging onto every perfectly delivered note.
The supporting cast in this musical raised the energy levels tenfold; hand-jiving, flipping and jesting their way into the audiences hearts. Jan (Rosanna Harris) and Roger (Oliver Jacobson) were transformed from sideline characters into firm audience favourites. Each couple’s voices were paired to perfection, making for some harmonious duets. Special mention goes out to Alessia McDermott, who was standing in for ChaCha on the evening we attended; she high-kicked and smouldered her way through the show, leaving the audience clueless as to why she was only an understudy in the first place!
As far as performances go, this one was extremely physical, but the young cast kept pace the whole way through. It will come as no surprise to any viewer that the dance scenes were the brainchild of Strictly’s Arlene Phillips – the couple’s competition at the school dance featured more lifts and swings than you could shake a baton at. The razor-sharp choreography throughout was a real highlight of this performance, with not a single cast member slipping up during the lightning-speed handjiving sequences.
In a nutshell, this show was both ambitious and energetic in equal measure. The flashes, bangs, fire and sparks during the Greased Lightning song resulted in a real show-stopping moment, while Danielle’s voice reached dimensions far beyond what Olivia Newton-John could deliver in the movie version. Whether it was down to delivery or acoustics, some of the snappy tongue-in-cheek comments were unfortunately difficult to hear, and many of these jokes were as a result missed by the audience.
Overall, this was a very well-assembled production of an old school classic, delivered with such youthful energy and accompanied by great staging - viewers of any age or gender are guaranteed to get swept up by the excitement and extravagance of this show.
Grease runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until before continuing its tour.
Grease runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until before continuing its tour.
Sunday 3 September 2017
In Conversation With... Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie | Sword and the Dope | Interview
Sword and the Dope is a musical retelling of the story of King Arthur, written by a dyslexic who can not read or write music but wrote the show as a bet/joke with a friend. It has now gone out for over 150 shows at three different venues prior to this run. Sword and the Dope stars Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie who sat down with Rewrite This Story to talk all about the show.
Can you both give a brief overview of your career and what your highlights have been?
Stacey: I was once a member of pop band S Club Juniors. Highlights from my time in the band were probably performing a Wembley and for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Also getting down to the final 24 and performing for Kylie in Dubai when I went to the judges houses for X Factor.
Stevi: I started performing at the age of 15 at my high school in Grease the musical and played Kenickie. I've always loved performing but got many knock backs. But 2014 I entered the X Factor and since then life has changed.
You’re both musicians, how has the transition to concert performances to musical theatre been?
Stacey: In ways it is very different. Put me on stage with a mic and a band and I can do it with my eyes closed, but theatre is a little more challenging for me. It's a lot more intense, there is a lot of preparation involved and a lot more a stake.
Stevi: For me it's been amazing and I've always loved musical theatre I trained at LSMT. Playing a prince in this show is great and taking me out of my comfort zone but I love it.
Can you explain what The Sword and the Dope is about?
Stacey: Sword and the Dope is a comedy musical with a politics edge. Think Monty Python, Black Adder and politics in a way you have never seen!
Stevi: A sideways telling of King Arthur with a modern day political twist. One review said British humour at it's best with great musical numbers, for me that sums it up well.
What drew you to the production? Are your characters anything like you?
Stacey: I play Sir Lancelot, a Knight who is a huge fan of the Green Party, so nothing like me really as I'm not into politics in the slightest. My character reminds me of Hermione from Harry Potter, slightly irritating, bit of a know it all who no one wants to listen to. The script was what sold it for me initially, I laughed my head off when I first read it.
Stevi: I loved the script and especially the songs they are amazing. The character is similar to me it's cheesy and he loves singing.
The Sword and the Dope is a retelling of the story of King Arthur, if you could retell any story which would you choose?
Stacey: Amy Winehouse, now that would be a fantastic role!
Stevi: I would retell the story of maybe Bruce Lee or Elvis Presley or Freddy Mercury.
Can you sum up the show in five words?
Stacey: Funny, ridiculous, offensive, rude and camp!
Stevi: Witty, camp,cheesy,Funny,eccentric.
Is there a play or musical you’ve seen recently that you loved?
Stacey: I have been to see Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour at the Duke twice now I loved it so much.
Do you have any dream roles?
Stacey: Dream role would probably be Sophie in Mamma Mia, the lead vocal in Thriller and anything Disney!
Stevi: Yes, Thenadier in Les Mis or Kenickie in Grease.
Whats a fun fact people might not know about you?
Stacey: I was one belt away from a Black Belt in Taekwondo when I was 7 but I gave it up because I wanted to sing!
Stevi: Think everyone knows everything about me due to the press and being in the public eye.
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
Stacey: You have to have a thick skin in the industry otherwise you won't survive. The amount of times you get knocked back is not necessarily a reflection of how good you are, and that's something you have to be prepared for. I'm a firm believer that you get out what you put in.
Stevi: Just keep going and be you.
Thank you Stacey and Stevi for this interview. The Sword and The Dope is on at Waterloo East Theatre from Tuesday 5th September until Sunday 1st October.
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
Tuesday 11 July 2017
Grease (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Grease (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday July 10th 2017 by Valerie Field
★★★★
Grease first appeared on Broadway in 1972 but became really popular in 1978 when it was made into a film with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and became a cult classic. Set in the 1950’s as a High School Musical when Rock and Roll was extremely popular with the younger generation and the great Elvis Presley was on the scene, it was a cool time to be around and the musical is just as popular now as people are always eager to experience the nostalgia of their youth either because they grew up in the 50s or grew up with the film. This new tour revival of the show has all the classic songs and is a fun night out for any Grease lover.
The well known story revolves mostly around Bad Boy Danny Zuko and the innocent new girl Sandy after the two had a summer fling before unknowingly ending up at the same school. Tom Parker who played Danny in my opinion didn’t have enough presence on stage although as the show went on he seemed to come across a bit more confident especially in the dance routines. His voice was strong at points but he didn't quite reach the level of charm, charisma and roughness needed to really be Danny Zuko.
Michael Cortez as Sonny and Tom Senior as Kenickie both had much more presence on stage and I feel would have been better suited to the part of Danny. Both actors were funny, charismatic and over the top enough to steal the scenes they were in.
Danielle Hope was very good as Sandy and her singing voice had shades of Olivia Newton-John, she was wonderful as both the sweet, innocent Sandy and the sexy Sandy who comes in act two. George Olney was fantastic as Teen Angel/Vince Fontaine and had the audience really involved and with him throughout his scenes.
The costumes by Andreane Neofitou and choreography by Arlene Phillips really brought 50’s to life and the special effects were brilliant, especially when Greased Lightning came to life on stage. It was nice to see the orchestra on stage as they were great and really got the audience in the feel good mood.
All in all it's a very energetic and enjoyable show for any lovers or likers of the original.
Grease is at the New Victoria theatre until July 15th before continuing it's UK tour.
Tuesday 25 April 2017
Grease (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Grease (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Monday April 24th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Grease was certainly the word last night at the opening night of the show at the New Wimbledon Theatre. The classic hits and story which are loved by many had brought a varied crowd who all seemed extremely excited for a carefree, upbeat night at the theatre. With an abundance of hair-gel and budding romances that's exactly what the production provides, it's not faultless but it's feel-good fun.
The onstage band open the show with a high energy performance of 'Grease is the Word' which created an electric atmosphere and introduced the powerful instrumental players and ensemble in a brilliant way. Leading the cast as the sweetly innocent Sandy is musical theatre favourite Danielle Hope who is marvellous in the role. Her voice is strong and she captures the character extremely skilfully. Danielle certainly shines in the role with her rendition of the 'Sandra Dee Reprise' being a particular standout of the whole production.
Her romantic counterpart Danny Zuko is played by The Wanted's Tom Parker who seemed slightly out of place and nervous but did come across well at points. As the show went on he seemed to settle into the role more but there's definitely some room for improvement in terms of overall performance. Similarly, the other celebrity name, Lousia Lytton as the fiesty Rizzo is lacking a certain something. Her energy is high and her sass comes across well but her vocals let her down at points.
The ensemble are absolutely outstanding though, with each one owning their quirky roles perfectly and showing off their boundless stage presence. Gabriella Williams is absolutely splendid as Patty Simcox, her dancing, acting and whole performance is stellar and she provides hilarious comical moments through her peppy, excitable, exaggerated performance. I also loved Michael Cortez who was extremely energetic and had some brilliant one liners which he delivered with great comedic timing.
Arlene Phillips' choreography is retro and sleek and creates a great visual. The energy is the real key in this show and each move seems well thought out to provide optimum power and spirit.
You can't fault the production values of this show and despite some lacking moments it ticks all the boxes for an infectious night out and will please anyone who is a fan of the iconic musical.
Grease runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 29th 2017 before continuing on it's UK Tour.
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