Grease

The musical Grease at The Regal Theatre is a lavish, high energy production, produced by the Australian Performing Arts Network. It features professional stars alongside local, emerging artists and a supporting cast of young performers.

Guest artists Lynne McGranger (Miss Lynch), Carmelo Pizzino (Vince Fontaine) and John O’Hara (Teen Angel) add a great deal of pizazz to the show, with McGranger’s comedic teacher and O’Hara’s fabulous “Beauty School Drop Out” highlights of the show.

Nic Cruise dances up a storm as a very charming and likeable Danny Zuko. He is beautifully paired with Shanice-Kalina Thompson as Sandy (who shares the role with Sophia Rifici) who is gorgeously sweet and a lovely singer.

Rikki Martin makes a feisty Rizzo, well matched with Brandon Williams-West, wonderful as tough-guy Kenickie. The audience adored the quirky charm of Madeleine Shaw’s Frenchy and the dulcet tones of Lloyd Hopkins’ Doody.

Mooner Roger was played with comic skill by Hamish Briggs, with Bianca Grills a cute-as-pie Jan. Andrea Lim was stunning as Marty, while Tyson Bell made an impressive theatre debut as Sonny. Alex Schoenmaekers was a delightfully peppy Patty, Bake Jenkins nailed the awkward Eugene and Nikita D’Souza made the most of her cameo as Cha Cha. Well-known film actor Presley Massara was strong as Johnny Casino.

An enthusiastic ensemble were efficient, energetic and effervescent, and all performers were brightly attired in 50s costumes, with some excellent choices. Dancing and vocal work was solid throughout and highly polished.

Plumb Design’s solid, multi-level set is well-used, with live band, Slim Jim and the Phats, visible above the stage.

Greaseis a top-quality production that is thoroughly entertaining - a wonderful opportunity to see some of Perth’s best emerging musical theatre performers and have a great night out.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Hamish McSporran.