A lot of things run through the mind of anyone who stages the popular musical "Grease." In tackling a show that has been staged so many times around the world, that is one of the most popular musical films of all time, the pressure is truly on to put on something outstanding. The cast and crew of Stage West’s production not only tackled it, they thrived on it!

"I definitely feel that pressure because Stockard Channing is brilliant, and I am a huge fan," said Michelle Doyle, who plays Rizzo, the role Channing played in the film and on Broadway. "(She) is a brilliant character to play, so as an actor it’s a treat to play that role and sing her songs. Even though the movie is really popular, people will enjoy the show just the same. People really relate to the characters."

Doyle’s former Sheridan College classmate Michael Lomenda, who plays Kenickie, agrees.

"When they made the movie they made it right. There is a lot of the movie that is very good, so when people see a production of Grease it had better be just as good. The play has similarities but there are a lot of differences as well, with different songs, more scenes and more character development. These are rolls that we have both really wanted to do, so it is a wicked opportunity. These are jewels, classic roles in musical theatre. I was really excited when I found out Michelle was in the show."

Watching the show unfold, it’s hard to believe that it was only two weeks from the first cast meeting to opening night.

"It involved a great deal of organization on the part of everyone. The pre-production before we even go into rehearsals is knowing exactly what we want to do in the period," says director Di Nyland Proctor. "We had 12 days from the time the cast met each other until we went into the theatre, and 2 days to add the technical aspects before we had an audience. It’s an intense time, and preparation is the key to anything in theatre. Everyone was on top of their task."

"It is a quick process. Often shows are put up in two weeks, it may seem like it’s a short time but actors are accustomed to it, and as an actor [it’s] your job going into the process to be prepared. If that happens then things move smoothly, and this show did. Grease is also something that everybody knows so it’s easier. There are a lot of reference points to draw from," said Lomenda.

Doyle feels that it is easy to prepare for Grease compared to other shows.

"The last show I did was a new Canadian musical and the first day we were learning brand new music we had never heard before. It was intense, but this is as well due to the huge ensemble and dancing and company scenes. The hardest thing is to work out the relationships."

It’s a credit to Nyland Proctor that the show works so well, as her casting is dead on. It’s something she spent a great deal of time working on in the audition process.

"I’ve been very specific in casting the piece because the characters have been so well drawn within the writing of the piece that it is important that I find the quintessential characters for this, and I really believe we have accomplished that."

As always, it is a treat to attend any production at Stage West. After over-indulging in Thai Chicken Salad, Sole Aux Crevette with Lobster Sauce, Sauté Jumbo Shrimp with Mixed Bell Peppers and a vast array of tasty deserts you can’t help but watch in awe as the youthfully energetic cast dances and sings their heart out on stage.

Grease is the story of the wacky kids of Rydell high in 1959. The focus is on the blossoming relationship between Sandy Dumbrowski (Joanna Guistini) and Danny Zuko (Jeff Madden) who have two very different versions of their summer. Coincidentally they end up at the same school and hyjinks abound. Dumbrowski is taken in by The Pink Ladies while Zuko hangs out with the leather clad cool kids.

Madden and Guistini are excellent in their roles, as well as being very strong vocally. Like many productions, the supporting cast can steal scenes, and in this production it’s Doyle and Lomenda who stand out. They add a great deal of depth to characters who, at first glance, are very shallow. Both of them have an abundance of charisma and presence that shines from the stage.

Each of the rest of the attractive 22 member cast adds their own dynamic and captures their individual characters. The choreography for the show, especially "The Hand Jive" and "Greased Lightning" is astounding! Not to mention the tight live band – they deserve credit for their contribution to the overall show, and their back up of the cast.

The great thing about Stage West is that the long runs allow for patrons to have a greater selection of dates to attend, but it benefits the actors as well. Productions for many companies run only a week, so to stay in one location for three months is an added benefit.

"Stage West offers great contracts, especially because they frequently swap shows with their sister theatre in Mississauga, and they give precedence to people who have done the show. If you are lucky you can get 6 – 8 months of work. It’s nice because it’s rare." Commented Lomenda.

Indeed he, Doyle, and many of the cast currently live in Toronto. "...I am from Alberta, [so] this is the second Christmas I have been able to come home for the holidays – it’s great to be home!

Stage West’s production of Grease runs until February 14th, 2005.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Stagewest | Theatre |