By Stepping through the doors of the Pantages Theater is like floating into a ’50s time twist on this opening night of “Grease” in Los Angeles. While some adorers of the Broadway production and 1972 film have pinned up their hair and stepped into their vintage dresses, others may be secretly reflecting on their wild, sexually driven high school existence. I suppose many of us wish that we were just as pop-tastic and saucy as the Rydell High T-Birds and Pink Ladies.
This audience ranged from pre-teens to middle-aged and all gathered to listen and sing along with some of America’s most famous musical numbers. Among these viewers sat Annette Charles, the actress who graced the role of Cha Cha DiGregorio in the “Grease” film. As the curtain lifted and the set of neon-bright Rydell High lockers is exposed, we sat waiting to be swept away by teen magic, greased lighting automobiles and undeniably contagious hand-jives.
We soon learned that along with high-energy fans, comes a charming, powerful group of characters. A quirky and squeaky voiced Frenchy, a lovable Jan, a confident Marty and a cool and collected Rizzo appear on stage with their T-Bird companions claiming that Grease is the way they are feelin.’ “It’s got groove. It’s got meaning.” With a smile between my cheeks, I think back about the fun I had watching “Grease” as a child. I become pleasantly absorbed by the next few scenes as Sandy (Emily Padgett) shyly reveals her romantic summer encounter with Danny to the Pink Ladies. Stage left, Danny (Eric Shneider) boastfully buzzes about “making out under the dock” to his buddies. What comes next is a note-worthy event. Doody, the typical outcast character of the T-Birds, sings “Those Magic Changes” and almost completely upstages the characters of Sandy and Danny, the show’s two prominent roles. This sense of ensemble empowerment carries on.
After Marty sings “Freddy, My Love” to a lively group of girls, Kenickie leads the T-Birds in one of the audience’s favorite songs, “Greased Lighting.” Marty’s comical oomph and outstanding voice settle over the crowd while Kenickie’s excitement about his new and improved, candy red car is undoubtedly infectious. The group’s dialogue is quick, funny and delightfully familiar as each actor remains in character and transports us to that other decade.
As the crowd is increasingly pleased, season five American Idol winner Taylor Hicks drifts on to a stage occupied by Frenchy, a fresh beauty school drop out, while wrapped in an ice cream cone. Yes, he is Teen Angel. Each observer within a five-seat radius of me and beyond clap passionately as his character is discovered. I agree with the enthusiasm and comply with an approving gesture, as well. I continue to watch the story unfold and nod my head because I know each word and every beat that follows. And it’s not just me who is digging the “Chang chang changity chang shoo bop.” This audience is completely alive and “hopelessly devoted.”
Along with the characters’ astounding performances, comes the production’s designing crew. The musical would not be triumphant if the costumes were not fully accurate, the sound was not notably clear and consistent and the props were not exuberantly fitting for the particular show. This, I recognize consistently as the set provides rows of old school cars at the drive-in or a vivid Burger Palace complete with barstools and bright lights.
The last few minutes are rounding out the second hour and I am hoping that the character of Sandy can regain her power as one half of the lead story when she has her memorable duet with Danny at the end of the show. Expectedly, she appears covered in black leather, wearing high-heeled shoes and sucking on a cigarette. “Tell me about it, Stud,” she says as she begins to seduce a very stunned Danny.
My wish for Sandy’s character to shine is granted as the two follow each other around stage, proving their undisputable romance. The others join in the last song of “We Go Together” and I feel I would confidently recommend this production to “Grease” fans and curious individuals alike. I watch in amazement as all the characters give their best possible performances and finish with not just a bang, but a “womp bop a looma a womp bam BOOM.”
The Grease Production at Pantages Theater in Los Angeles runs March 10 -22.
