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Post your own “Grease” comments here
A confession here: As much as I’ve tried to screw my courage to the sticking place and review the Waco Children’s Theatre production of “Grease” this weekend, my heart’s not in it. I’ve seen my share of “Grease” productions over the years and I still don’t like that musical. I’ve never resonated with its greasers or Pink Ladies - my high school years were in the ’70s and different dynamics and music - and its conclusion that happiness lies in conforming with the fast and loose crowd (or, probably more accurately, the crowd that likes to project itself as that way, even if it isn’t) makes me grind my teeth. I say that knowing that Waco has a special place in its heart for “Grease” - productions from national tours to collegiate ones invariably have sold-out performances in Waco. They must be related to the girls who lived in the apartment above me and my roommates in college who played the Grease movie soundtrack seemingly every afternoon after classes.
At the same time, there’s a good amount of young talent in the Waco Children’s Theatre and musicals like this that mix singing, dancing and acting offer a showcase to display that talent. There’s good support, too, from people like director John Haskett, WCT president Linda Haskett and choreographer Jerry MacLauchlin.
So, given my subjectivity on the subject, I’ll let you guys with less jaded eyes/ears do the job of highlighting the praiseworthy for a broader audience. If you’ve attended “Grease” - three performances left if you haven’t - and want to salute something in the performances and production that’s worthwhile, step up here and post.
“Grease’s” remaining performances are at 7:30 tonight and Saturday (July 11-12) and 2:30 p.m. Sunday (July 13) at Waco High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $10 at the door.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: On Stage
Comments
By Dan Buck
July 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
(Note: I’ve not seen this production of the show, so my comments do not reflect on the talent or artistry of any of those involved)
I have to confess I’m always a bit baffled at the choice of Grease for high schools, middle schools, and now Children’s theatre.
This show is about sex. Have you seen it recently, do you think the cars bouncing are from kids bopping to doo-wap tunes?
I’m not saying that musicals shouldn’t explore sexuality, I’m just always surprised that people forget the themes of this particular show. This is not merely poodle skirt nostalgia. It’s an exploration of the precursor to 60’s free love. Why would we want 4th graders perfoming this show?
Just a thought. You, of course, are free to think I’m crazy.
By Scott Baker
July 12, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Dan Buck, I think you’re crazy. Also, your comments are quite astute.
Same to yours, Carl. I have similar feelings about RENT. Sometimes shows develop a certain cultural transcendence to the point that peoples’ perceptions of the show trump what the show actually says in and of itself. Grease is like that. What people think of it and what it actually is are two very different things. Same with RENT. And neither shows’ material is quality enough to merit the high opinions people hold of them. But that’s pop entertainment!
By Tonya and Nick Balli
July 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
We loved it. Had a great time. Waco Children’s Theatre has some really good talent.
By Cindy W.
July 12, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
As an avid Grease fan (even though I am a self-proclaimed child of the 80’s), I was disappointed in the choice of this musical for this age group. After attending the performance, I do have to give the young people involved much applause for their talent and attention to detail (even though I’d rather not see people that age making out on stage, pretending to smoke or drink). There are many talented young people in our community and I think the Waco Children’s Theatre is an excellent outlet for these talented young people. I am disappointed the leadership of this group would choose such an elicit format to showcase the talent of these children. Hopefully they will learn from this fauxpaux and make a better choice in production titles in the future.
By Jennifer H
July 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I thought the dancing was great and the band did a great job! The gal who played Rizzo was outstanding. She has a great voice. Also, the girl who played Cha-Cha did great too. The boy who sang in Grease Lightin’ was lots of fun to watch.
Sorry I can’t remember names and my program is not in front of me…
By Win Emmons
July 14, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Another WCT, Waco Civic Theatre, is about to produce “Children of Eden.” Run begins on September 5. Objectionable material? Nay, nay: stories from Genesis of Adam and Eve and Noah. Animals, too!
You still have time to audition. Come to the theatre Tuesday night, July 15. It’s gonna be a happening!