I was invited to view the show Grease at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford CT last Friday night, and you could say I was excited as I ran down the hallways saying “Guess what I’m doing tonight!!” Regardless, I saw this as an incredible opportunity.
The road tour show was wonderful, and I have to say that the thing that really blew me away was the singing. It was easily some of the best singing I’ve heard all year.
Ace Young and Laura Zakrin took on the lead roles. I thought for sure it would be more American Idol but Ace as well as headlined Taylor Hicks performed, well, like Broadway actors, not talent show contestants as I had thought.
I had seen school productions of Grease so I was familiar with the story. Seeing adults in the role of teenagers didn’t phase me. The actors were convincing and strong.
Between the emotion and meaning behind it and the outstanding stage presence, the show had me captivated. “Magic Changes” was nothing short of breathtaking. Along with that and “Sandra Dee” those were the best performances of the night. The stage was well designed and detailed and the only flaw I could find was the echo back of the sound system. Not a flaw of the performers but of the crew.
A sparkly-suited Taylor Hicks coming out of an ice cream cone as Teen Angel was just icing on the cake.
I can state that after curtain calls the announcement to stick around to hear “Taylor Hicks new song!!!!” Sent us running for the exit. I thought that end of show plug was somewhat pathetic. I guess you have to grab an audience while they’re there!
Grease is the word.
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