GREASE (MUSICAL)

 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Directed by Bradley McDowell

Musical Director: Ella Ragless

Choreographer: Jordan Kelly

Canberra Philharmonic Society production

Erindale Theatre to 12 September

 

Reviewed by Len Power 27 August 2026

 

These days, audiences want Grease’ on stage to remind them of the popular 1978 film version of the show. Although the original stage show opened in 1971 and was a huge success on Broadway, the current stage version is less gritty and even includes the most-loved songs that were written especially for the film.

Director of this Philo production, Bradley McDowell, notes in the program that his concept is more of a rock show. Traditionalists might not be happy about this, but, as the show is now a hybrid and most people in the audience probably know all the songs and characters anyway, why not do something different with it? An entertaining, high energy, colourful (and loud) production with a wildly enthusiastic cast is the result.

While the set design is black-and-white with colourful mobile props (including a groovy Greased Lightning car), the clever and complex lighting design by Alex Clifford gives a colourful rock show atmosphere that is a highlight of the show.

Ashleigh Maynard (Sandy) and the girls

There are some standout performances from the large cast. Ashleigh Maynard does ‘sweet’ Sandy very well and her transformation to the ‘new’ Sandy at the end of the show remains a valid and fun character. Her singing of ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ was especially appealing. Samuel Whiter achieves the roughness of Danny who is really a nice-boy-underneath and the emotion he brings to his singing of ‘Sandy’ is a standout in the show.

Samuel Whiter (Danny)

There are also colourful performances from Georgia Motto (Rizzo), Joseph Mansell (Kenickie), Erin Hawker (Marty), Meaghan Stewart (Miss Lynch), Michael Cooper (Vince Fontaine) and Declan Pigram (Johnny Casino). Dave Collins sings Teen Angel well, but his makeup looks like he escaped from a zombie movie.

Chorus members of 'Grease'

Choreography by Jordan Kelly doesn’t have much to do with the 1950s but works fine with the rock show concept. His ability to make a cast look good with simple steps and gestures works very well here.

Musical director, Ella Ragless, has achieved a high standard with the singing of the cast and production of the music. Conductor, Craig Johnson, achieves a fine sound from the orchestra. Dialogue, though, is difficult to understand because of the amplification.

This production should please everybody who loves this show. If, by chance, you’re from another planet and have never seen it, you’ll have a great time.

 

Photos by Photox

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.