BWW Reviews: GREASE at West Hudson Arts And Theater Company

The classic musical follows the friendships, romance and social lives of a group of high school students during the 1950s. The summer romance of the wholesome and innocent new student Sandy and leather-clad Danny Zucko is at the center of the story.

Many may feel a bit hesitant to see this well-known story unfold on stage. Perhaps it's to due to growing up watching the record-breaking film featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. When something becomes so much part of your life, one tends to feel a protective affinity toward it - not wanting anyone or anything to tarnish what we have come to love and enjoy. However, this production does the story justice! The show is not a cheesy replication of the movie, but rather, the cast and crew did a phenomenal job in making the production their own while keeping true to the integrity of the story we have come to love.

According to W.H.A.T. president Gerald Ficeto, the show was put together in less than a month, which is a bit surprising since no one would have surmised this given the level of production and smooth execution.

The overall performance of the cast was strong, with Michelle Almeida portraying the sweet and rather naïve Sandy to a tee and Jack Haefner portraying her love interest.

Though the vocals and acting were, generally, well done, it bears to point out Jennifer Wagner's fantastic interpretation of the spunky and lovable Jan. Wagner proved to be a natural in this role. Faith D'Isa who interpreted Marty was another who knocked her role out of the park. Together, the tit-for-tat between both of them practically steals all the scenes.

Michael Antonelli also portrayed a strong version of Kenickie.

Upcoming "Grease" performances will take place on Saturday, June 27 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

W.H.A.T.'s production of "Grease" also features: Devin Wason (Betty Rizzo), Maria Huapalla (Cha Cha), Dennis Oliveira (Sonny), Julia Trusolawski (Patty), Alyssa Schirm (Kate), Celeste Fasone (Miss Lynch), Amber Brown (Frenchy), Rod Belle (Eugene), Michael Oliveira (Roger), Gustavo Oliveira (Doody) and Richard Dwyer (Vince Fontaine).

Beatriz Esteban-Messina directed the production, with Scott Burzynski as musical director. Choreography is by Madison Wiggins.

W.H.A.T. is a non-profit community theater located in Kearny, N.J. located at 65 Oakwood Ave.

Photo credit: Jennifer Vazquez

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