Totally Theatre.com

Venue

Piccadilly Theatre, Greater London

Open Date

08/08/2007

Booking

25/07/2007 - Not Specified

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The smash-hit musical GREASE! is now in its third great year at London's Piccadilly Theatre.

We have 3 Brilliant BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOS for you to enjoy!

• Meet Digby Shaw and discover how the sound of a West End Show is created
• Frazer Hoyle reveals where the ghosts of the Piccadilly Theatre are!
• Watch the cast get into their wigs backstage!!

The first video of the cast is FREE! Once you've caught up with Danny and Sandy join to see all the other exclusive clips. Not yet a member? Click here to join our club today to access the videos!

The History of one of the world's most popular shows

Grease had its Broadway première in 1972 and has triumphed throughout the world. In 1979 Grease took over the record as the longest-running show in the history of Broadway and the hit film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John proved to be the highest-grossing movie musical ever.

Although in the smash hit film of 1978 John Travolta was to play Danny Zuko, in the 1972 tour across the US and Canada the 17 year old Travolta played Doody, the nerdy kid who idolises Danny. When the show opened in London it was the then unknown Richard Gere who played the cool Danny, with Stacey Gregg as Sandy, followed by Paul Nicholas and Elaine Paige in the lead roles.

The new production of Grease, which incorporated all the hit songs from the movie, opened at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 starring Craig Maclachlan as Danny Zuko. Having been discovered in Neighbours the producers realised that Craig exuded the charm that was essential for the character of Danny. They had already seen eight hundred girls for the part of Sandy, but when introduced to American actress Debbie Gibson she was offered the part immediately. The show was taken on tour in 1997 starring Shane Richie and then Ian Kelsey as Danny Zuko and due to its success ran again with Luke Goss heading the cast.

In January 2004 Grease embarked on another UK tour with Ben Richards as Danny and Suzanne Carley as Sandy, and it continues to smash records wherever it goes - The highest capacity 1 week show at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall - broke the box office record, previously held by Cats, in Sunderland - sold out in Bristol 7 weeks prior to arrival - The 1st show to sell out before arrival, at the Edinburgh Playhouse, since Showboat 12 years ago.

Talking of the show's appeal and purpose, the director David Gilmore explains, "Grease doesn't have a message ... it gives a flavour of being a teenager in the 50s when rock'n'roll and putting Grease on your hair were the most important things in life and this is the level that we should take it on."

Synopsis of the show

ACT ONE

The kids think they rule in small town Rydell (Grease is the Word). They head back to school - their last year at Rydell High. Danny is a member of the ultra-cool T-Birds - only interested in cars, chicks and hanging out with his mates; Kenickie, Sonny, Roger and Doody. Sandy - the new girl in school - doesn't fit in with the Pink Ladies - Rizzo, Jan, Marty and Frenchy - although they are interested in her summer romance (Summer Nights). Sandy and Danny are unexpectedly reunited - she is thrilled to see him again but Danny isn't sure how hanging out with a ' good' girl will affect his image.

All the boys contemplate growing up (Those Magic Changes) and what lies ahead.

Marty and Frenchy include Sandy in their circle, inviting her round to a sleepover but she is dismissed by Rizzo (Look at me I'm Sandra Dee); she just doesn't fit in with the gang.

The boys, meanwhile, meet up at the garage to see Kenickie's new car - he has been working all summer to buy it. The others think it is a heap of junk but Danny and Kenickie persuade them it will be a great way to attract the girls (Greased Lightnin')!

After being rejected by the Pink Ladies, Sandy tries cheerleading (Rydell Fight Song) but doesn't seem to fit in there either. She bumps into Danny again but things are awkward between them.

All the kids meet up on the football field, Roger and Jan get talking and, slowly, discover they like each other and have a lot in common (Mooning) . A party atmosphere follows, as the kids celebrate their friendships (We Go Together).

ACT TWO

It's time for the school dance, everyone is paired off and wearing their finest (Shakin' at the High School Hop). Vince Fontaine is hosting the evening - much to Marty's delight. Only Sandy is missing out on all the fun; she is stuck at home with a head cold (Its Raining on Prom Night). Things hot up at the dance - a dance contest is announced and Danny pairs up with Cha-Cha, a top dancer. They go on to win the contest (Born to Hand Jive) although Miss Lynch disapproves of some of their dance moves. All alone Sandy faces up to the fact that she still loves Danny (Hopelessly Devoted to You), however futile it may be.

Things aren't working out too well for Frenchy either. Having left high school to train as a beautician, she is finding that she may not be cut out for the job - but can't admit it to her friends (Beauty School Dropout).

Sandy and Danny finally get together; he borrows Kenickie's car and takes her to the drive-in. Sandy is there to watch the movie but Danny has other things on his mind. Sandy is upset when he takes things too far and leaves him alone in the car, wondering if he'll ever get it right (Sandy).

The gang all hang out at the garage listening to music (Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen). Sandy joins them in the hope that Danny will appear. Rizzo makes it clear that she still isn't welcome amongst them. Kenickie discovers that Rizzo may be pregnant and they have a row. Everyone hastily leaves, except Sandy, whose sympathy is rejected by Rizzo (There Are Worse Things I Could Do). Sandy realises if she wants things to be different then she needs to make some changes about herself (Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee - reprise).

All the kids at the burger bar are in for a big surprise - especially Danny - when a transformed Sandy arrives, looking hot and with an attitude to match (You're the One That I Want). Once again the mood is up - Rizzo's pregnancy was a false alarm - and all the kids celebrate being young and in love (Finale).

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