Review: VYT's GREASE Is Slick and Cool - It's A 'Greasenado!'

Compared to the war zones that too many secondary schools have today become, 1950's life at Rydell High seems like a walk in the park. In contrast, detention, rumbles, and getting knocked up appear as mild aberrations. At least, with the effusive and electrifying world of greasers and pink ladies, that's the way it seems and that's the way GREASE depicts another teen world and teen time. Musicals like this can play fast and loose with the hazards of adolescence and, every now and then, offer a moral to the story.

But GREASE is simply good old light-hearted rock and roll fun. Nobody will ever claim that its plot has density. It's quite simply an homage to a fictional America when the worst a delinquent could do was rip off hubcaps, soup up a dream car, play hookie, and taunt the girls with bravado.

In Valley Youth Theatre's current production of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's award-winning musical, the ensemble of talented teens ~ plus a couple of well-placed adults ~ kicks up a storm, plays their roles true to form, and has a grand time doing so.

In other words, it's a GREASEnado! A slick and cool blending of Jessi Young's choreography, Karol Cooper's costumes, and Mark Fearey's fiery musicians. Kudos, in particular, to Cassi Bussma, Suzanne Johnsen, and Jesse Sumter for some really hot riffs!

As the whirlwinds of puppy love swirl, most notably between Danny Zuko (Spencer Claus) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Liz Grannis), a series of standout performances emerge like unexpected cloudbursts. There's Tiana Marks as Marty, who strikes it rich as she sings about her relationship with a Marine in Freddy My Love; Spencer Coben ~ as the sullen but vulnerable Kenickie ~ who polishes off Greased Lightning spotlessly; and Steven Enriquez who absolutely shines (is even lovable!) as Roger in an upbeat performance of Mooning.

After a slow start in Act I, the cast punches things up, and the wait for the action is worth it. Spencer Claus (Alone at the Drive-In Movie) and Liz Grannis (Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee) show their true mettle and range as the reconnected summer lovers. By the drive-in way, the back-up to Claus's performance by the Burger Palace Boys is hysterical; these boys are having infectious fun, all dressed in drag.

One of the highlights of VYT's GREASE, is the cameo performance of local FOX 10 weather anchor and veteran song and dance man, Corey McCloskey, as Teen Angel. Director Bobb Cooper has made a smart move in casting the inimitable and charming McCloskey for the role of the wise spirit who tries to convince Frenchy (Haley Hanni) to remain in beauty school. He's as smooth as silk and charismatic to boot!

GREASE is a fine start to what shapes up to be another superb VYT Season.

GREASE continues its run at the Herberger Theater Center through August 28th.

Photo credit to Brian Cahill

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