| |
Grease had its world theatrical premiére on Broadway in 1972,
and has triumphed throughout the world, both in acclaimed theatres
and in countless school productions. In 1979 Grease took over the
record as the longest-running show in the history of Broadway, and
the hit film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John proved
to be the highest grossing movie musical ever.
The co-creators, Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, were friends for seven
years before they collaborated on Grease, and it was over beer at
a party when the idea first surfaced. Reacting against the "traditional,
'legit' show tune type melodies of the Great White Way" (Jim
Jacobs), Jacobs and Casey amused themselves imagining this new kind
of musical on Broadway, with music from the late Fifties and characters
from the golden days of rock'n'roll.
Perhaps through fate (Casey lost his job soon after and, having
time on his hands, began to write a rough sketch), Casey and Jacobs
created a story with music and lyrics which challenged the existing
concept of musicals whilst establishing itself as a new kind of
'classic'. It was in an experimental theatre in Chicago on February
5th 1971 that they finally tried their idea out on the public, with
a title evoking the style of the late 1950s - slicked back hair
and fatty fast food - Grease.
Despite a slightly shaky beginning - an all-amateur cast in a former
tram shed, with newspapers for seats - the audiences kept returning
with friends and relatives, until Grease proved more profitable
than any previous show the theatre had produced. With discouragement
from friends, and encouragement from Broadway producer Ken Waissman
and partner Maxine Fox, Casey and Jacobs recognised that to maximise
the show's potential they would have to give up their day jobs,
and move to New York.
One year after the first production, Grease opened at the Eden Theatre,
just off Broadway, but not with the success hoped for. Although
the public loved it, the critics - in particular the New York Times
- gave the show lukewarm reviews, and the Tony Awards committee
ruled that Grease was ineligible for nomination because the Eden
does not qualify as a Broadway theatre, being several blocks away
from Broadway proper. However, the producers disagreed and threatened
to sue the committee, which promptly backed down; Grease consequently
received seven Tony nominations, moved to Broadway proper and never
looked back. Although in the smash hit film of 1978 John Travolta
was to play Danny Zuko, in the 1971 tour across the US and Canada
the 17 year old Travolta played Doody, the nerdy kid who idolises
Danny. When the show opened in London it was the then unknown Richard
Gere that played the cool Danny, with Stacey Gregg as Sandy, followed
by Paul Nicholas and Elaine Paige in the lead roles.
Everywhere it opened, Grease struck a universal chord with its irresistible
mix of adolescent angst, vibrant physicality and 1950s pop culture.
Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey created a perfect period piece - a pastiche
of the 1950s - which is "fast, furious and thrilling, an injection
of raw energy ... and fun, fun, fun" (Hilary Bonner - Daily
Mirror).
The new production of Grease, which incorporated all the hit songs
from the movie, opened at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 starring
Craig Maclachlan as Danny Zuko. Having been discovered in Neighbours
the producers realised that he exuded the charm that was essential
for the character, Danny Zuko. The producers had already seen 800
girls for the part of Sandy and when introduced to American actress
Debbie Gibson they offered her the part immediately. The show was
taken on tour in 1997 starring Shane Richie and then Ian Kelsey
as Danny Zuko and due to its success the national tour ran again
with Luke Goss heading the cast as Danny. The London Production
finished after 6 successful years at the Cambridge Theatre in 1999.
Talking of the show's appeal and purpose, the director David Gilmore
explains, "Grease doesn't have a message ... it gives a flavour
of being a teenager in the 50s - when rock'n'roll and putting grease
on your hair were the most important things in life", and that
this is the level that we should take it on. Indeed, part of the
attraction of this production is in it's "rather pointed and
camp knowingness" - it is "an escapist pleasure zone where
happiness wins through. You emerge exhilarated by the sheer dynamic
variety, vigour and exuberance of rock'n'roll" (Nicholas de
Jongh - Evening Standard).
Celebrating 20 years of 'Grease' mania the film was re-released
in the Summer of 98 which was produced by Robert Stigwood and Alan
Carr. Grease has maintained its everlasting popularity - proving
that teenage angst and loves young dream remains timeless and universal.
|
