The cast of Brock Musical Theatre’s Grease is finishing up its final rehearsals before debuting its modern take on the hit musical.
A ratified BUSU club, Brock Musical Theatre (BMT) has played a vital role in the theatre community at Brock University and the Niagara region since its founding in 2005. On Saturday, March 8, BMT will open their annual production, which this year is a gritty, feminist take on the beloved classic Grease.
In September, Emily Moore, BMT’s academic representative, said that the executive team chose Grease because it was a “happy, well-liked show.” While nearly six months later, Moore still thinks these are relevant descriptors, her perspective has changed on what the musical is about.
“This version of Grease is completely different from the traditional movie that everyone knows,” said Moore, who also plays the role of Sandy. After having become more familiar with her character and the script, Moore sees the story as being about “self-reflection and the empowerment of women.
“Instead of a sad, whiny Sandy, the character has transformed into a gritty, sassy character who learns how to stand up for herself,” said Moore.
While BMT’s take on Grease attempts to provide a more nuanced look at the 1971 classic, the themes are still very different than those showcased in their past two shows, Carrie: The Musical and Cabaret.
“I think this side of BMT will surprise people,” said Moore. “Cabaret and Carrie were complete opposites in terms of subject matter. It has been a challenge for cast members to channel a new version of themselves as actors, allowing for laughter and fun,” said Moore, but the production has been “a dream to be a part of.”
Kashvi Sharma, who is BMT’s marketing manager and plays the character of Marty, attributes this great atmosphere to director Bri Waters. “Working with Waters over the past couple of months has been really refreshing,” said Sharma, who went on to admire the director’s ability to create rehearsal spaces where playfulness and exploration of characters is encouraged.
“The rehearsal process for this production has been a very collaborative experience as this cast offers so much vibrance to the show,” said Sharma, who noted that this experience has differed from the one she had as a cast member in Carrie. “There is a strong and exhilarating feeling that comes with doing a more lighthearted show — one that’s full of classic show tunes, energetic dance breaks and traditional humour.”
While Grease has long been considered a classic, having debuted in 1971, it has also faced an abundance of criticism in recent years for its once praised traditionality.
Many critiques have pointed to the musical’s promotion of problematic messages about peer pressure, teenage sexualization and gender roles as being outdated and overly romanticized. Others are uncomfortable with how the character of Rizzo is handled, suggesting that her storyline reinforces negative stereotypes about sexually active women. Moreover, it was the musical’s final plot line, which sees Sandy change her “good girl” persona to please her love interest Danny, that caused much of the uproar.
Moore, who spent time reflecting on this plot point when she took on the role of the archetypal girl next door, Sandy Olsson, said that her contemporary outlook changed the way she, and the whole of the cast, approached their characters.
“In our production, Danny is goofier and much more sensitive, depicting his character as being more well-rounded; whereas Sandy is portrayed as being increasingly strong as she journeys to find her true sense of self,” said Moore. She said Waters’ approach to the script challenged the whole cast to approach their characters in a more “filthy way” to accurately show how teenagers acted during that period.
Moore also said their production “reflects current societal issues and beliefs due to its focus on female empowerment and self-acceptance.” Moore highlights a moment at the very end of the show where she bows with the actress who plays Rizzo rather than the actor who plays Danny. She said this creative decision was made to “place more value on the female bond [depicted in the musical] as opposed to the romance.”
Still, everyone involved in BMT’s production of Grease acknowledges that the heart of the show is what has allowed it to remain relevant and beloved over 50 years later.
Sharma said what makes this production of Grease stand out to her is that while you still get the classic songs and scenes from the film, the cast, crew and directorial team have taken a more real and raw approach to the story we all know and love.
“Whether this is your first time seeing Grease or if you know all the songs by heart, our production will deliver all of the elements you love while still keeping it exciting, bold and rebellious.”
Live from the Robertson Theatre, Grease opens on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Further showings are slated to take place on March 9, March 12 and March 13 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee scheduled for March 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online on the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre website for $30.