ALLI GAINER as Sandy and Jack Janowicz as Danny, Evie Becerra as Jan, Sydney DeMaria as Frenchy, and Sasha Baker as Rizzo in “Grease” at the Gem Theatre (Ron Lyon photo).
By Thom de Martino
Orange County Tribune
Nostalgia’s a hell of a drug.
Has anyone else noticed the 20-year cycle of it? In the late 80’s it was a resurgence of 60’s fashions and themes; in the 90’s, it was a flashback to the 70’s; in the 2000’s, it was a throwback to the 80’s.
When the musical “Grease” originated in the early 70’s it became a major success, and was later adapted into the well-known smash-hit film of 1978. This stage version, directed by Damien Lorton, takes the story back to its theatrical roots.
It’s fall of 1958 at Rydell High, and the class of 1959 is returning from their summer break. The kids are welcomed back by Miss Lynch (Adriana Sanchez), after which the members of the respective cliques of the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies talk about what they did on their summer vacations.
The head of the greaser crew, Danny Zuko (Jack Janowicz), is telling the other members lascivious stories of the cute girl he’d met at the beach: meanwhile, the newest addition to Rydell, Sandy Dumbrowski (Alli Gainer) is telling her new friends in the Pink Ladies about the sweet boy she herself encountered at the same beach.
She begins bonding with the members of the Pink Ladies, including Frenchy (Sydney DeMaria), Jan (Evie Becerra) and Marty (normally played by Courtney Hays, but portrayed by Julia Iacopetti on this Sunday matinee), though she rubs the leader of the group, Rizzo (Sasha Baker) the wrong way with her naïve, goody-two-shoes demeanor.
The teenage years are challenging enough even without all the relationship drama: can two star-crossed not-quite-lovers be able to find their way to each other through the storm of high school hormones?
Whether you’ve seen the film version or not, “Grease” is an electrifying production at the Gem, with magnificent performances, and a lot of fun.
The brand-new additions to the One More Productions troupe excel in this show, such as the animated Kyle Hill as Burger Parlor Boys member Doody with his delightful number “Those Magic Changes,” or Myles Willamson as Kenickie (another BPB member) and his energetic performance of “Greased Lightning.” (We should also give a special mention to the charming Evie Becerra for her work as the Pink Ladies’ adorable Jan.)
Not to be outdone, the OMP veterans do their customary high-caliber work as well: including Baker with Rizzo’s acerbic number “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” and Trevin Stephenson’s stellar turn as the seemingly Little Richard-inspired Teen Angel in the fantastic (and interactive) “Beauty School Dropout.”
It’s the leads of the show who really shine, though – there’s splendid chemistry between Janowicz and Gainer as Danny and Sandy, and the pair do excellent work together. Their rendition of “Summer Nights” is outstanding, as is Gainer’s moving performance of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
A phenomenal show for all ages (regardless of some of the slightly risqué themes), “Grease” at the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove is a splendid treat for those summer nights (or even the odd Sunday matinee).
“Grease.” Alli Gainer, Jack Janowicz and Sasha Baker star in this fun musical flashback to the 1950’s high school greaser culture. Playing through July 20 at The Gem Theatre 12852 Main St., Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information.
