Theater review: 'Grease' is definitely the word

"Grease" (originally staged in 1971 in Chicago then moved to Broadway in 1972) follows the story of the Pink Ladies and T-Birds—teenagers exploring love, violence, and sex—in their last year as high school students in Rydell High School.

Just like any other Grease production, the 9Works Theatrical re-staging in Manila directed by Robbie Guevara, which opened last November 9 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City, showed why leather jackets, school dances, and rule-breaking were all the rage in the sixties.

"Grease" is a show full of character. The plot is simple but all the characters have different characters that make the story riveting.

The ensemble and supporting cast

The story starts at the end of summer, at the beach. The dark sky was embellished in beautiful starlight and the sound of the ocean breeze through the air—then, there's Danny Zuko (Gian Magdangal) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Frencheska Farr), who are about to end their summer fling as the new school year starts, hoping and dreaming of meeting again just before their lips meet for (supposedly) the last time.

Resuming their normal lives and marking the start of the Rydell High School academic year, the whole cast performed "Grease" by way of introduction. "Grease" was originally sung by Frankie Vallie and written by Barry Gibb of Bee Gees.

The ensemble performance was very welcoming—the dance routine had a sense of greeting, as if the audience were students in their school, too.

Moreover, the set (design by Mio Infante) was truly reminiscent of what high school: the T-Birds—Kenickie (Rafa Siguion–Reyna), Roger (Reb Atadero), Doody (Vince Lim), and Sonny (Mark Tayag)—were chilling on the premises, while the Pink Ladies—consisting of the sassy Marty (Carla Dunareanu), the always-hungry Jan (Sarah Facuri), and their sarcastic, feisty leader Betty Rizzo (Iya Villiania) hang at the school cafeteria, chatting about boys and waiting for Frenchy (Peachy Atilano) to come in with her friend Sandy, the new, sweet, and naïve girl.

Inside the cafeteria, Sandy tells the Pink Ladies about a boy she met, while T-Birds leader Zuko arrives and tells the gang about this girl she met that summer in "Summer Nights." The performance was one for the books—it will leave you wanting more. Frencheska and Gian had a real connection, as if they were really meant to play the famous roles.

Meanwhile, during the Pink Ladies' sleepover, the spotlight was all on Marty. Carla Dunareanu was exceptional at portraying the "sophisticated," "I-wanna-look-smart" lady in the gang. The role was made for her. She had the right attitude for the role and her voice was incredible. Those aspects made her "Freddy, My Love" performance a real crowd-pleaser. She's funny and she knows how to deliver the lines and jokes at the right moment. In addition, her stage presence was so powerful that she could put on her own one-woman Marty show.

Furthermore, newcomer and New York University graduate Rafa Siguion–Reyna really nailed down the high school's resident cool guy Kenickie. He sang "Grease Lightning" with confidence and nonchalance. He didn't overdo his moves and actions. He also made sure he embodied the essence of enthusiasm of how a man in puberty is when he gets excited, as shown by his impressive foot and floor work in the song's dance routine.

Beautician-in-the-making Frenchy is torn between going back to high school and doing nothing with her life since she dropped out of beauty school. Thinking that her life has lost its purpose, a teen angel (Tirso Cruz III) comes in reminding her of the life she's missing by not going back to high school in "Beauty School Drop-out."

Peachy played Frenchy's role with justice. She cared a lot about her appearance by fixing her hair and clothes all the time. Moreover, her bubbly and foolish personality radiated when teen angel asked her to listen to his every word. Her portrayal of the role was fun, especially when she smiled. It was as if the world had no clue to what she's thinking, which is a good thing, considering her role.

But the one who really surprised me was Iya Villania; she portrayed Betty Rizzo so well. She was consistent in playing the bad girl, but she also showed the character's vulnerability. When she sang "There Are Worse Things I Could Do," Iya dropped every note as if she'd been boxing in her emotions a long time. When she delivered "I don't steal and I don't lie," right then and there, I knew I was one with her because I felt the pain and the shame of her condition. After all, apart from her tough facade, she's still a high school girl who is in love (and pregnant).

The lovebird protagonists

Lastly, protagonists Sandy Dumbrowski (Frencheska Farr) and Danny Zuko (Gian Magdangal) are worthy of their iconic roles.

Danny, the naturally kind leader of T-Birds, is tough-skinned but has a soft spot for Sandy, the girl he met over the summer, who coincidentally becomes his schoolmate. He cares for his social status in the school and he is conscious of his character towards his friends and Sandy.

Gian's portrayal was excellent. His sweetness towards Sandy is admirable and his "bad-boy" attitude is riveting. Though his powerful voice was reminiscent of John Travolta's Zuko in the 1978 film adaptation, Gian had his own style—he has a command to him when singing, dancing, and acting that will leave you thinking he really is the coolest guy in Rydell High.

And there's the innocent, virtuous new girl Sandy Dumbrowski. Unlike most girls at her school, she doesn't smoke, drink alcohol, or curse—also, she's a virgin. Sandy cares about her studies and she also wants to belong; hence, joining the cheerleading squad and befriending  the Pink Ladies.

Her character changed from being a goody two-shoes in a long Sunday dress and flats to a more rebellious kind of girl in leather pants and high heels when she realized it was time to bid farewell to "Sandra Dee."

Frencheska embodied Sandy's character in the most natural way possible—from "Hopelessly Devoted to You" to "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," she told the beautiful story of this naïve and wholesome girl who believes change is possible to be with the one you love.

In terms of her singing, Frencheska did not push herself into hitting the high notes, which was  good for her character. Her version of Olivia Newton–John's classic "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was heartfelt, as she did not need to belt to express her feelings with sincerity.

From one solo number to another, Frencheska kept her "inner Sandy,"  and her portrayal showed the simplicity of her character. Considering this is her theater debut, she's a performer you won't ever forget, as she is without a doubt, Sandy Dumbrowski.

"Ang pressure, umpisa lang talaga, e, ngayon fun na siya," she said. "Masasabi ko na I'm really having a good time and 'yong feeling na ayaw mo siyang iwan, [ang teatro]."

With the different characters and issues in the show, you can't help but relate and reminisce about your high school life. The re-staging of "Grease" in Manila helps prove why, for many people, high school was one of the best times of their lives. It's the kind of show that can make you believe that you can be who you are, and that "Grease" is definitely the word, a timeless story that no matter how old you are, you are part of them. — VC, GMA News

9Works Theatrical's "Grease," directed by Robbie Guevara will run from November 29 until December 1 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City.