Grease is the word

There was a long line outside Brooks Atkinson Theatre at 256 West 47th Street, Manhattan. It was cold night. We had bundled up as per Olwen’s advice. By 7:30pm, the doors opened and we found our way one row before the last row. It was a US$60.00 ticket.


The theatre was nearly full house. A mom in front of us, with her daughter offered to take our picture. Thanks. Behind us was a family with two young kids. Barely teens. And quite naughty too. Even a bit disturbing to the two ladies besides Cecile.

By 8pm, the band started to play the overture to the songs of Grease. The band was located at the top of the stage, raised above the stage, unlike other plays we saw where the band or orchestra was at the “pit” front of the stage.

The minute the first note of Grease was hit, the curtains raised and the silhouette of Max Crumm (Danny) and Laura Osnes (Sandy) appeared, the audience euphoria started to rise in anticipation of a fun and energy filled evening for Grease, the 4th Broadway production we are watching in NYC.

Images of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John moved in and out of the memories as the song “Summer Nights” filled the theatre.

The audience was really into the music and the songs, thanks to the popularity of the movie, released back in the 1978. People were clapping. Humming and singing along to "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want." Some, even stomping their feet. It was a “feel-good” production. High energy. A few laughs but a lot of memories.

“Grease” was a good production to end our 2nd trip to the East Coast. Thanks to the music of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. This 3rd Broadway edition is produced by Paul Nicholas, David Ian, Terry Allen Kramer and the Nederlander Presentations Inc., with special arrangement with the movie's producer, Robert Stigwood.