First, the bad news: "Grease" may be the word, but Taylor Hicks is not "the one that I want" in this classic musical about Chicago teenagers during the fabulous 50's. Luckily, for those audience members not blindly obsessed with the "American Idol" winner, Hicks only gets to mug his way through one number, singing "Beauty School Dropout" in a lowered key.
Unfortunately, the marketing ploy used to attract those "hopelessly devoted" Idol fans to this Broadway in Chicago tour may also work against it. Those few Soul Patrollers who've come especially to see Mr. Hicks will be equally disappointed to find that their heartthrob not only doesn't "star" in this show as advertised, but he has barely five minutes stage time. His performance is actually only a cameo appearance that could've been covered by any actor in this very talented company.
But enough about Taylor Hicks. For those not already familiar with the rebels of Rydell High's class of 1959, the Jim Jacobs/Warren Casey musical began its long life back in 1971 here at Chicago's Kingston Mines Theater and it's been going strong ever since. It transferred to off-Broadway in 1972 and finally opened on Broadway later that year, ultimately playing a whopping 3,388 performances. In 1978 "Grease" became a hit movie and, after countless more amateur and professional productions, it evolved into yet another reality TV show, during which the leading roles of Danny and Sandy were cast for the latest Broadway revival. This is the touring version of that show featuring a mostly brand-new cast.
Now for the good news: This is an energetic, polished production that will delight both newcomers as well as those who've seen the show before. Except for a patronizing preshow sing-along that falls flat, everything about this production is first-rate. Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett, as Danny and Sandy, lead a cast of likable, accomplished professionals through an evening of belted-to-the-rafters songs and dances choreographed to an unbridled frenzy. Kelly Felthous as the hot-to-trot Marty purrs like Jennifer Tilly, and Allie Schulz allows unexpected vulnerability to seep through her portrayal of tough-girl Rizzo, making her even more appealing. Neon-colored sets, lighting, costumes and creative fantasy sequences all help drive this show to a new level of exhilaration. Just leave “star” Taylor Hicks out next time.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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