It’s been 14 years since Ogunquit Playhouse performed “Grease.” Another visit with the boy and girls of Rydell High was due.

Of course, this show is indelibly imprinted in most folk’s minds as a result of the hit 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The latest Ogunquit production, which starts its summer season, combines elements of the stage and movie versions. This 1970s nostalgic look at the 1950s still seems to click with audiences, even as we push further into another century.

The staying power of the show is undoubtedly a function of the way it combines the elements of song (favoring doo-wop and early rock), dance (mixing youthful awkwardness and energy) and story (about first-love and looming adulthood). The mix is just too much fun. And the new production, directed and choreographed by DJ Salisbury, keeps to the tradition originated by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey of making those youthful times seem better than they actually were for most of us.

Taking the lead roles are Mary Little as the innocent new girl Sandy and Matthew Ragas as the macho gang leader Danny. The two characters had fallen in love over the summer, but when they find each other as the school year begins, they experience peer pressure to go their separate ways.

This a first major role for Little, who’s just out of college, and she handled the part well, holding her own in the ensemble numbers and giving her big solo, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” a strong performance. In the second act, when her character finally transforms into a leather-clad match for Danny, her duet with her love on “You’re the One That I Want” was a treat to hear and see.

Ragas, who some may remember as an Elvis impersonating Pharaoh from last year’s Playhouse production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” again has a chance to show his retro-cool guy moves as the slick-haired, leather-jacketed teen heartthrob Danny. His solo on “Alone at the Drive-in Movie” pulled together his performance nicely, and he generally was a charismatic presence throughout.

That was no easy task as the cast is full of standout talent. Mention should be made of Madeleine Barker as the tough and tender Rizzo, the leader of the girls at Rydell who dodges a potential crisis. Her solo on “There are Worse Things I Could Do” was a major turn during Act 2.

Mo Gaffney, a performer with a resume including much film and TV work, was a hoot as the stern Miss Lynch whose spirit loosens after she is slipped some liquid spirits. And Jamison Stern was hilarious as the Teen Angel who offers some glittery but down-to-earth advice to Jillian Gottlieb as Frenchy.

Ensemble song and dance numbers, particularly “Summer Nights” and “We Go Together,” were what really lifted this colorful show to its highest level. It’s a tuneful celebration of a time of life that everyone would like to remember, as they likely will this show, with a smile.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.