GREASE

SYNOPSIS:
Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) had a summer romance, never expecting to see each other again. But they do meet again - at Rydell High, where they are both in senior year. Danny returns to his cool, leather-jacketed image as the leader of the T-Birds, and begins to tell his friends Kenickie (Jeff Conaway), Doody (Barry Pearl), Sonny (Michael Tucci) and Putzie (Kelly Ward) about his summer vacation. Meanwhile Sandy meets the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds’ female counterparts: Rizzo (Stockard Channing), Frenchy (Didi Conn), Jan (Jamie Donnelly), and Marty (Dinah Manoff), who want to hear about Sandy’s romance. Sandy and Danny’s romance turns cold as Danny tries to live up to his image. But true love finds its way… eventually.

"Lively, fresh and bright, Grease still stands tall and is destined to become a classic with its memorable, toe-tapping songs, imaginative choreography, plus the dazzle of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. Opportune timing for a re-release, coinciding with the Australian theatrical production, will ensure that Grease still is the word, today. Interesting to watch Travolta in his earlier roles. He always has had that elusive star quality - on screen he is riveting, with undeniable charisma, sex-appeal oozing from every pore, that chin dimple on display. This is Newton-John’s best work - she is compelling as the wholesome gal in the Sandra Dee/Doris Day mould who transforms into a skin-tight, black leotard wearing vamp. The characters are compelling, colourful and delightful. There’s Raunchy Rizzo (Stockard Channing is fabulous); Frenetic Frenchy (Didi Conn, a real scene stealer); and of course Sweet Sandy and Dynamic Danny. Plus there’s the style of Eve Arden, Joan Blondell and Sid Caesar. It’s all innocent fun, soda pops, sleep-overs and the drive-in. Even the rival gangs only flaunt a water pistol. All the elements work - the music, the dance routines, the characters, the energy, the love story. Be prepared to be charmed all over again on the big screen with Grease - the musical with that je ne sais quoi."
Louise Keller