BWW Reviews: Walnut's GREASE Warms Up Those 'Summer Nights'

Bring out your bobby sock and leather jackets. The gang from Rydel High is taking over Philly for the summer.

The Walnut Street theater closes out another great season with what's sure to be a "wop-bob-a-loo-bop-A wop -bam boom" hit for the kids as well as the baby boomers with their version of Jim Jacobs (Book) and WarRen Casey's (music and lyrics) crowd please GREASE.

This high energy cast romps, giggles, struts, hand jives and really swings. Not a weak link in this 98% Equity cast as Actors Equity Union celebrates its 100th year Anniversary. It's all about love. Danny is the hunky 'bad boy' and Sandy is 'the girl next door.' They meet and fall in love. But will their different worlds keep them apart? Time will tell, but there's little doubt that the audience will fall in love with the music; from You're The One That I Want," "Grease Is The Word," "Summer Nights," "Hopelessly Devoted To You," and "Greased Lightnin'."

The original Broadway production opened at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972 and received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. It held the title of longest running Broadway show to date when it closed in April, 1980. Two revivals followed in 1994 and 2007, both receiving Tony Award nominations for Best Revival of a Musical. In 1974, the show had its London premiere with Richard Gere as Danny. Revivals followed in 1993 (with Debbie Gibson as Sandy), and in 2007. GREASE became a popular musical film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in 1978.

That's the show facts and history. What about Walnut's GREASE? The guys are rebel rousing, girl crazy and the gals are sassy and in your face "Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee". Grease is made up of a mostly principal cast with only four actors in their ensemble and each principal is stellar in their character roles. The two lovers Danny Zuko played by Matthew Ragas and Sandy Dumbrowsky played by Laura Giknis are reason enough to jump in your convertible to see this one. Ragas is indeed a hunk full of burning love ...or something close to this with off the charts vocal capabilities. Giknis holds on to her sweetness nails her money song "Hopelessly Devoted To You" and converts into one hot mamma in the end. Broadway's Kate Fahrner takes charge of the role of Rizzo with all the toughness of a lonely teen looking for approval. Rachel Camp plays Marty the smarty girl looking for Mr. Right as she croons a convincing "Freddy, My Love" along with the "Pink Ladies". Richard Cerato rocks the role of Doody and delivers a "hit from the 50's" version of "Those Magic Changes" with the help of the company. Adolpho Blaire is the fun surprise "can't take your eyes off of him" character of Roger. Just when his silly antics make you smile he floors you with one heck of a singing voice. Topping off the cast is Broadway veteran Eric Kunze as Teen Angel with a presence that commands attention.

Walnut veteran director Bruce Lumpkin has pulled this slamming scene after scene together with a fluidity to envy and choreography by Michelle Gaudette is nothing short of exhaustingly precise leaving no lose ends untied. Scenic designs are an electricians dream with several huge neon signs tracking in and out of many scenes adding to energy of this piece.

If you are a GREASE fan you will NOT want to miss this remarkably well executed production.

Grease will run at the Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut St. Phila. Pa through July 14. For tickets and more information: 215.574.3550 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org

Photos: Matthew Ragas (Danny Zuko) and Laura Giknis (Sandy Dumbrowsky) and GREASE ensemble

Photo Credits: Mark Garvin

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