Bobby Conte Thornton (Danny Zuko), Taylor Louderman (Sandy
Dumbrowski) and the company of Grease.
Grease fans are no joke. There were more than a few audience members sporting black leather jackets at the Paper Mill Playhouse’s opening performance of Grease. And while no one sang along during the performance (there are movie screenings for that), you can be sure they were belting them out on the car ride home (my daughter and I sang pretty much every song — some twice). So when you know you have dedicated fans who love both the original musical (1971) and the movie (1978), starring John Travolta and Olive Newton-John, what do you do? If you’re the Paper Mill Playhouse, you very smartly give fans everything they want — and then some.
Choosing summer love, fast cars and rock ‘n’ roll to conclude its 75th anniversary season, Paper Mill delivered a love letter to Grease fans, old and new. The show opens with a vintage-look (think old home movie) film reel where we see Sandy (Taylor Louderman) and Danny (Bobby Conte Thornton) fall in love as they frolic on the beach. The production incorporates songs from both the original musical as well as those written for the movie (Grease, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy and You’re The One That I Want). Gorgeous sets and costumes transport you back to the 1950s as does the transformation of a jalopy into Greased Lighting on stage — a dance number complete with back flips and dazzling dance moves. Instead of an orchestra pit, musicians are part of the action — opening the production on stage with a rockin’ version of Grease and appearing on stage again during the dance scene at Rydell High (the rest of the time, they can be heard but not seen behind a screen on stage). Unlike the movie, where the story of Danny and Sandy somewhat dominate, Grease the musical showcases a very talented ensemble with a number of memorable solo performances.
to right: Taylor Louderman (Sandy Dumbrowski), Tess Soltau (Marty),
Dana Steingold (Frenchy), Telly Leung (Teen Angel), Morgan Weed (Betty
Rizzo) and Leela Rothenberg (Jan).
One of those numbers that you never want to end is performed by the captivating Telly Leung (Teen Angel) who commands the stage as he croons Beauty School Dropout. Leung’s amazing range (Glee fans may recognize him as one of the Warblers; he was also in Godspell as well as in the final cast of Rent) is complemented by the comedic foil of Frenchy, played by Dana Steingold. Another standout number is Robin de Jesus (who received a Tony nomination for his role as Sonny in “In The Heights”). de Jesus, who plays Doody, dazzles with his rendition of Those Magic Changes.
company of Grease.
Louderman and Thornton are aptly cast as Sandy and Danny and give the characters a youthful, endearing portrayal. Louderman (who starred in Bring It On: The Musical) makes the transformation from Sandra D. to tough Pink Lady but does so in a way that still shows her innocence. Thornton’s powerful voice and strong dance moves are the grease that keep the production motoring through to its big finish.
Rizzo fans who wait for the moment to hear “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.” will not be disappointed by rising star Morgan Weed. A strong and engaging Rizzo, Weed’s feisty performance is balanced by moments of vulnerability. There were also great turns by locals include Bloomfield resident Joey Sorge playing flirty disc jockey Vince Fontaine and Montclair’s Donna English who gives a comedic touch to Rydell High teacher Ms. Lynch.
Grease
Where: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn
When: Through June 29. Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
How much: $27-$98, call (973) 376-4343 or visit Paper Mill Playhouse.