Review: GREASE Slides Into Wisconsin Dells at The Palace Theater

With the music of Fats Domino and Elvis filling the theater, patrons to The Palace Theater were transported back to a bygone era. While enjoying their dinner, the mood was set to the 1950's, a time when muscle cars and smoking were all the rage. A time when girls could be seen in poodle skirts or cigarette jeans, and the men in letter men sweaters or leather jackets. Back to a time when Grease...was the word.

From the opening number with Ms. Lynch (Molly Maslin Arbogast) directing the Glee Club in Rydell's fight song, to the final bows, the audience was treated to a professional show with a superbly talented cast.

PatRick Shaw's portrayal of Danny Zuko captured the subtle nuances of the teen angst that can tear a boy apart as he tries to reconcile what is acceptable and normal with in his culture and that for which his heart yearns. We watch Danny as he grapples with his bad boy image, attempting to cast it aside at one point to join the track team, only to be pulled back in when the coach wants him to cut his hair. All for the want of a girl.

And what a girl she is! Brianna Brice portrays Sandra Dombrowski to a tee! She fully expresses the awkwardness of being the new kid and struggling to find the cultural norms of her new school while being ignored by the boy with whom she had such a great summer. Between her morality and peer pressure to smoke, drink, and (Gasp!) get her ears pierced, Sandy has a difficult time, until she ultimately caves into the pressure and apparently abandons her good girl image to join Danny's bad boys and their dolls, The Pink Poodles.

The talent of this cast is outstanding and obvious from the onset. The vocals were crisp and sharp, the choreography flawless. From Sonny's (Kristo Ruffennach) aerials to Doody's (Kyle Jurassic) guitar playing and vocals, the entire cast came together to provide an amazing night of entertainment!

Among the countless great moments in the show, there are a few that really stand out. In "Greased Lightn'" Kenickie (Joshua Logan Alexander) held the audience in the palm of his hand through the entire song. "Beauty School Dropout" was by far the funniest scene in the show, the staging and direction playing on the comedic timing of both Frenchy (Dionna Eshleman) and Teen Angel (Rory Connolly) who by the way had an amazing voice! I would be re-miss if I did not mention that I overheard many people talk about getting goose bumps every time Rizzo (Becky Whitecomb) hit the stage.

Under the fabulous direction of Erin Sullivan with choreography by Michael Stanek, and musical direction by Andrew Abrams, Grease is a hit in the Dells! So exert a little "Greased Lightn'" yourselves and treat yourselves to a little "Summer Lovin'" with this great show.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit; http://www.dellspalace.com/nowplaying/grease

June 21 - August 20, 2017

Join Sandy, Danny and the rest of the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies for an affectionate satire of high school life in the 1950's. Don't miss the unforgettable tunes like: "Summer Nights," "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "We Go Together," "Greased Lightnin'," "Beauty School Dropout," AND added songs made popular in the beloved film: "Grease (Is The Word)," "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want." It's a high-octane rock 'n' roll party packed with explosive energy!

PG rating

Grease contains mature situations and language.

Some material may not be suitable for children.

The meal service begins 90 minutes prior to showtime.

Prices are subject to taxes and service charges. Gratuity not included with the ticket price!

Please note: If you do not purchase all the seats at the table, those additional seats may be purchased by another individual.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: All tickets orders are final - no refunds OR exchanges. Prices are subject to taxes and service charges.

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