Theatretrain Isle of Wight are bringing Grease The Musical to Shanklin Theatre on the 8th and 9th of July 2023.
This is a must-see for anyone who loves classic musicals, as it features a cast of the very best young Island performers. The Talented Theatretrain cast have been working hard to bring Grease to life. They have been rehearsing hard, and they are ready to put on a show that you will never forget.
What do you think of when someone says “Grease?” The movie? The most recent 2022 revival? The original Chicago production? Whichever 1 is 1st, chances are hand-jives, Summer Lovin’, and Sandy’s iconic ‘bad girl’ outfit are just a few of the things that come to mind.
No matter whether you saw it for the 1st time on stage or screen, Grease and it’s Pink Ladies and T-Birds has a special place in everyone’s hearts.
Here is a brief background of the musical, Grease.:
- The Grease film popularised the show’s story but the Grease musical came 1st. Chicago’s Kingston Mines Theatre Company staged the Grease world premiere in 1971. The production took place just minutes away from William Howard Taft School, where the Grease setting of Rydell High is based on.
- Grease quickly attracted New York City producers, opening Off-Broadway on Valentine’s Day, 14th February 1972. Months later, Grease opened on Broadway and ran for 8 years.
- The Grease British musical premiere took place in Coventry, ahead of a West End opening in 1973. To date, there have been 7 Grease revivals in London: 1979, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2022, and now 2023.
- You may know the male group in Grease call themselves the T-Birds in the film. In the actual musical, they’re called the Burger Palace Boys! The male group are named the “Burger Palace Boys” after their favourite diner.
- “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, “You’re the One That I Want” and ”Grease” songs didn’t feature in the original Broadway musical! Since then, all 3 songs have been added to Grease productions – including ours!
- And did you know…The Grease school is based on a real place? Rydell High is based on William Howard Taft School in Chicago, Illinois, close to where Grease creator Jim Jacobs lived.
In 2022, the revival of Grease in the West End was seen by over 500,000 people, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You.
Theatretrain are proud to have the license to bring that very same version to you! The company have worked tirelessly to make this their best show yet – professional costumes, professional orchestral arrangement, professional set and they even have the Grease Car from Strictly Come Dancing!
If you are a young person who loves to perform and would like to join Theatretrain when new students join this September, you can contact: [email protected] or https://theatretrain.co.uk/isle-of-wight/
