Theatre Review: Grease at Civic Theatre, Auckland

The cast play up the humorous side of a show that taps into 50s nostalgia. Photo / Greg Bowker

Summer nights at Rydell High seem a long way from the drizzly misery of an Auckland winter but Grease is all about shaking off humdrum cares and tapping into that deep nostalgia for an uncomplicated world where rock'n'roll rules and teenage romance fills the air.

The South African-sourced production delivers the goods, bringing a hint of regional flavour to the show's all-American ambience.

In the lead role of Danny Zuko, Jonathan Roxmouth has a beefcake physique that wouldn't look out of place driving a Springbok scrum, but his sweet voice convincingly conveys the heartfelt tenderness that undermines his studied cool.

The white-bread world of the film version is livened up with some Rainbow Nation-style casting that has Bronwyn Reddy bringing a scatter-brain charm to head cheerleader Patty, while Thembeka Mnguni is formidable as the battle-axe school teacher and delivers some impressive soul shouting in her double-up role as the Teen Angel.

The cast all play up the humorous side of the show, with David Schlachter bringing the house down with some perfectly timed intrusions as the nerdy Eugene.

The movie has cast a long, soft shadow that blunts the down-and-dirty grittiness of the Pink Ladies but a few rough edges shine through with Genna Galloway's Rizzo. Her portrayal of a tough nut slowly cracking as she confronts teenage pregnancy is one of the show's most moving performances.

The superbly choreographed chorus work is as sharp as a switchblade and Michele La Trobe's cameo as the dance queen ChaCha carries off the perfect combination of elegant technique and raw energy.

In a similar way, the seven-piece band displays very professional musicianship but allows plenty of space for the amateur spirit that is at the heart of rock'n'roll.

Bethany Dickson's Sandy makes a strong connection with Hopelessly Devoted but never really sizzles in You're The One That I Want and the distinctive Nasal whine of 50s vocals sounds a bit harsh through a modern sound system.

But these quibbles cannot upset the infectious enthusiasm of a show where awopbopaloobop-alopbamboom is a philosophical statement and teenagers explode on to the dance floor when Vince Fontaine tells all the cats to "throw your mittens round your kittens".

Be there or be square.

What: Grease.

Where: Civic Theatre.

When: Until August 22.