The No.1 greatest musical of all time*, GREASE, is coming to New Zealand this August.
Packed with explosive energy, London’s high-octane rock ‘n’ roll party is ready to rumble in Auckland from August 5 for a strictly limited season. The 25-strong international cast will turn The Civic into Rydell High in a stage production that’s truly ELECTRIFYIN’
Grease incorporates all those unforgettable songs from the hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and tells the story of teenage angst and love’s young dream, featuring dazzling costumes and jaw-dropping voices.
Since the show’s Broadway premiere in 1972 Grease has triumphed across the globe, striking a universal chord with its irresistible mix of adolescent angst, vibrant physicality and 1950s pop culture. It is a perfect period piece – a pastiche of the 1950s: “fast, furious and thrilling, an injection of raw energy... and fun, fun, fun”, according to The Daily Mirror (UK).
In 2003 Grease was voted “The No.1 Greatest Musical of all time” by Channel 4 (UK). And, with 142 costume changes, 16 leather jackets and 59 wigs, 10 jumbo cans of hairspray and 8 pots of gel used each week, this new production of Grease is bigger than ever!
Talking of the show’s appeal and purpose, 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.”
Set in 1959 at Rydell High School, Grease follows 10 working-class kids as they navigate the complexities of love, cars, and drive-ins. Danny Zuko, the hot Greaser, falls in love with the wholesome and pure Sandy Dumbrowski and when their worlds collide, it’s a-wella-wella-umph! Then there’s Rizzo, the tough and sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies, who’s world turns upside down when she thinks she’s pregnant; Frenchy, the ditzy beauty school drop out; and Vince Fontaine, the egotistical, slimy radio disc jockey trying to relive his
teenage years.
Grease has maintained its everlasting popularity, proving that teenage angst and love's young dream remain timeless and universal themes.
It's the music that makes the show so fabulous. People the world over have been singing songs from Grease since it exploded into life nearly four decades ago. Songs like Grease Is The Word, Greased Lightnin', Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Summer Nights, Sandy and You're the One That I Want are some of pop music's most enduring hits.
Grease really is the word!