Grease

| Synopsis |

Glenn was a member of the original cast of the production of Grease that opened at the Dominion Theatre, London, in 1993. He played the role of Johnny Casino and was understudy for the lead role of Danny. Music and lyrics are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It was directed by David Gilmore.

Grease had had its world theatrical premiere on Broadway in 1972; it triumphed throughout the world on stage and in a hit film in 1978. The new West End production that opened in 1993 incorporated all the hit songs from the movie. Interesting fact: Glenn did NOT cut off his long hair to play the part in Grease; he had it cleverly swept back and styled with gel before each performance.

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Grease Is the Word!

Grease was created as a reaction against the traditional shows and show tunes of Broadway. It focuses on the music from the late 1950s, with characters from the golden days of rock'n'roll thrown in to give the music context. The title, "Grease," refers to the oil of the Fifties: it conjures up images of fatty hamburgers and French fries, and slicked-back hair. The story centres on two teenaged lovers, Sandy and Danny. They had met during the summer. That autumn, Sandy unexpectedly arrives as a new student in Danny's high school as their senior year begins. Danny is a member of a gang, the T-Birds. Their female counterparts are the Pink Ladies. These kids are tormented by the usual adolescent angst: They are trying out drinking and smoking for the first time. They are desperate to be "cool" and to fit in with the popular crowd; they must have cool clothes and a cool attitude. They want to be attractive to the opposite sex: Should they be coy? Should the girls try to make the boys jealous in order to get attention? The boys are hot to experiment with sex, but the girls who "give in" lose their good reputation. Sandy comes from a conservative background, and she is mocked by the coolest members of the Pink Ladies. They taunt that she dresses too conservatively, she won't smoke, and she won't "make out" with boys. She is mystified by Danny's reaction to her; during their summer together, he had been tender and attentive. Now in school, he is under peer pressure to be "cool" and to avoid displays of emotion or weakness.

The centrepiece of the action is a dance contest that is being sponsored by the high school. The music is provided by the famous and dashing Johnny Casino (the character that Glenn played) and his band, The Gamblers. Johnny is a sexy and intrepid vocalist. He keeps the joint hopping with his strong voice and charisma as he belts out classic rock'n'roll hits. The dance contest scene is an energetic musical homage to the Fifties; it is a thrilling pastiche of hits that speed along, one after another.

Sandy tries various methods to get Danny's attention. She tries to reason with him. She flirts with a star athlete. Finally she lets the Pink Ladies make her over. She is transformed with makeup, teased hair, tight clothes, and a new attitude. Danny cannot resist, and all is right with the world. The audience leaves the theatre humming and tapping their toes to the hit tunes from the Fabulous Fifties.

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