Grease

a musical by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey

Yesterday, we went to see the production of Grease in Saffron Walden County High School. It was advertised as “Sing along evening & Dress up ’50s style” which was a good idea, except not that many people in audience did actually wear anything in ’50s style. A few boys sported pompadour hairdos and quite a number of girls did turn up disco-era outfits, that’s about it.

As for the show, I did like almost everything. Acting, singing, dancing and the live band were all pretty good. My main problem is with the material itself. Scott Miller says that

Grease is a prequel to Hair, every bit as well crafted, every bit as authentic, every bit as insightful, and just as truth about an incredibly volatile, fascinating moment in American history.

I am not sure about that. I love Hair too much, maybe that’s the problem. But what Grease is about? The outsider girl desperately tries to fit in. That is insightful.