This revival of the 1972 musical at the Headley Manor Dinner Theatre captures the essence of the 1950s.
By: Stuart Duncan
Grease, which opened in New York in 1972, far downtown on Second Avenue, was nevertheless classified as "a Broadway show" by union definitions.
The Eden Theatre had more than 199 seats and the show charged Broadway prices. It was a spoof of the 1950s, especially the high school students of that time and their idolization of hip-waggling, guitar-playing singing stars and Hollywood film rebels.
When it first opened, it facetiously referred to itself as "the ‘No No Nanette’ of the 30-year-olds." The original set design featured a huge blowup of James Dean, surrounded by a group of over-sized high school yearbook pictures.
A revival at Headley Manor Dinner Theatre in Edgely, Pa., captures the time just perfectly but without Jimmy Dean. The high school pictures are in place, but it was feared today’s audiences might not recognize the actor.
Some critics of the original show felt it had too many crude gestures and dialogue. Headley Manor directors Kathy and Ken Junkins have removed most of the crudity, and you won’t miss it at all. The evening is packed with young talent and overflowing energy.
John Zimmerman, who at 22 seems to have been playing musical leads for more than a quarter century, has a wonderful time as Danny Zuko, the egotistical, hair-combing, strutting leader of the Burger Palace Boys. He is easily matched by Brooke Shive as Sandy Dumbrowski, "Look at me I’m Sandra Dee." Blessed with a silvery voice and stunning looks, she is a charmer.
Others in the large company who will undoubtedly catch your eye: Natalie Wood as the deep-throated Betty Rizzo, with a heart of gold hidden from most; 15-year-old Scott Lutz as Doody, headed for huge stardom should he desire it.
In his first on-stage performance, Frank Fierle is the brash Kenickie; Eve Connolly is the English teacher with eyes front and back, Miss Lynch; Stephanie Delaney is Marty; Jacquelyn Greenberg is beauty-shop dropout Frenchy. And save some cheers for choreographer Danielle Tucci Juraga.
I can’t vouch for the chicken or meat dishes, but the seafood Newburg dinner was delicious and the service cheerful and prompt.
Grease plays at Headley Manor Dinner Theatre, Edgely Road, Edgely, Pa., through Oct. 6. Dinner Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., show 8:30 p.m.; dinner Sun. 2 p.m., show 3:30 p.m. For information, call (215) 949-8844.