Review Roundup: 9 Works Theatrical Restages GREASE; Show Runs Until 12/7

Manila, Philippines--9 Works Theatrical ("The Last 5 Years," "Sweet Charity") brings back one of its hit productions last year, GREASE, to relive the teenage '50s at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati City until Sunday, December 7.

Voted as last year's Most Outstanding Production of an Existing Material for a Musical by PHILSTAGE Gawad Buhay Awards, GREASE boasts new lead cast members Guji Lorenzana (Danny Zuko), Tippy Dos Santos (Sandy Dumbrowski), Steven Silva (Johnny Casino), Alex Godinez (Marty), Marvin Ong (Doody), Nelsito Gomez (Sonny LaTierri), Gabriela Pangilinan (Cha-Cha DiGregorio), and Antoinette Taus (Betty Rizzo).

The show features additional choreography by Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu ("Rent," "Songs for a New World"); and additional set pieces and hot cars of the '50s, created and culled, respectively, by Mio Infante ("The Last 5 Years," "Rak of Aegis").

Director Robbie Guevara ("The Last 5 Years," "They're Playing Our Song") is once again in the driver's seat of this heavy-duty Broadway classic.

Let's hear what the critics had to say:

Trisha Macas, GMANetwork.com: It's easy to not take "Grease" seriously. With a blockbuster movie adaptation and hundreds of stage versions worldwide after it was first performed in 1971, a lot of people already know the songs and the story by heart. What else can a rerun of the musical offer aside from fun and nostalgia?

But 9 Works Theatrical's production means business, and it shows in the group songs. For me, these were the musical's shining moments. The cast members executed the choreography well while maintaining their voicing. During the group performances, you get to see the discipline and the hard work that the actors, director, choreographers, and musical directors put in to make "Grease" better than it was last year and worth your every buck.

I particularly enjoyed the performances of "Grease" and "Greased Lightnin'".

Marian Bartolome, Hitlist: Although Grease has its share of emotional ballads such as Sandy's "Hopelessly Devoted to You," it's best known for its fun tunes. Creators Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey knew what they were doing when they penned this musical. Their songs got stuck in our head and has us grinning-and we bet they'd do this to you too no matter your age!

In "Summer Nights," we felt like we were right in the middle of a chat with our friends and couldn't help but mouth, "Tell me more," along with the cast. Then, when it came to"We Go Together," we were wowed by the choreography--especially when the cast tried to teach us the steps, and we learned that they weren't exactly easy.

ScoutMag: Grease on stage is a rich experience: the eye-popping visuals reflect the bright palettes of '50s aesthetic, and the plotlines grasp timeless highs and woes of teenagers. Each character is as colorful as the set, and each actor attacks their character with consistent earnest. Visually and emotionally, the cast delivers soul, grit, and comedy as one...

No one outshines anyone-although hair-wise, definitely Tippy dos Santos' golden locks wins. Other than that, teamwork is the standout, and Grease is the word.

To buy tickets, call (632) 586.7105 or (63) 917-554-5560, email info@9workstheatrical.com, or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

GREASE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY.

Photos: Jory Rivera

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