History of Grease

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History of Grease

Grease has undoubtedly been one of the most successful musicals in the history of the theatre. It originally appeared in 1971 as a 'play with music' at the Kingston Mines Theatre, Chicago before producers Ken Waissman and Maxine Fox saw it and had an idea that it would work well as a musical in it's own right. A production company was brought together including the likes of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey who then wrote what we know today as the hit show, Grease. The new format for the musical opened on 14th February 1972 with Barry Boswick playing the role of Danny and Carole Demassa as Sandy. Supporting roles came from Adrienne Barbeau, Timothy Meyers and Walter Bobbie.

It was not always plain sailing for Grease though; although in the beginning the crowds loved it and kept coming back for more, the critics were only mildly amused thus giving a tepid review of the show. The Tony Awards Committee ruled that Grease was 'ineligible for nomination' because of the theatre it was being shown in. The Eden Theatre was deemed as being 'off Broadway' therefore it shouldn't qualify with the other musicals and theatres that were being shown at the time. After the producers disagreed and contested this ruling, the committee backed down subsequently resulting in seven nominations in all. Grease then moved on to the main strip in Broadway and never looked back from there. In 1979, Grease broke all records as being the longest running show on Broadway.

In 1993, it came back for more. Craig Maclachlan (Henry from Neighbours) took the helm this time at the Dominion Theatre, London. Producers saw that he had all the charm and charisma needed to pull off the part of Danny Zuko. Some 800 girls auditioned for the part of Sandy but when American actress Debbie Gibson arrived on set, she was given the part straight away. In 1997, the show was taken on tour with Shane Richie, Ian Kelsey and Luke Goss all playing the role of the protagonist before finishing in 1999 at the Cambridge Theatre after six very successful years.

Since opening in '72, there have been many differing renditions of the show, not least the massively successful film adaptation in the 1978. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John took the central roles in the screenplay which resulted in sales rocketing through the roof and the film becoming the highest grossing movie musical ever. An interesting point worth noting was that in the early days of the musical, when it was travelling across the US and Canada, a young 17 year old John Travolta actually starred as Doody, the nerdy kid who idolised uber-cool Danny. Was this just a coincidence or the start of things to come for the now huge star? Accompanying soundtrack tapes (and later) CD's have been released showcasing the catchy rhythms heard in the movie. Frankie Valli had a number one hit with the film's title track, Hopelessy Devoted to You in 1976. In 1982, the film saw the originally named sequel, Grease 2 appear on video. Hardly any of the original cast were in this production and unfortunately it crashed with poor reception from fans and critics alike.

Interesting Facts

The film was altered slightly from the original musical script in the fact that some of the lyrics and references had to be cut out and re-worded for VHS. The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) deemed that the show had too many sexual connotations for its suggested PG rating.
When the film got it's release in Spain, the title had to be changed because the English translated as 'Fat' in Spanish. In due course, the film was renamed 'Brilliantina'.
In the original musical, Danny's gang was called the Burger Palace Boys. In the movie, they were renamed the T-Birds in reference to the Beach Boys song, 'Fun, Fun, Fun'. Also, the arch enemies were renamed as the The Scorpions as opposed to the original Flaming Dukes.

It's now the 21st century and yet another rendition of Grease is coming to our theatres. Simon Cowell's production company are working with ITV to uncover the next big stars in a reality TV show similar to the BBC's How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria? Once the British public have decided who is to be the next Danny and Sandy, the musical will be showing once more at West End theatres. Book now online with Holiday Extras^® and see one of the greatest shows of our time. It's set to be systematic, hydromatic, ultramatic.... why, it could be Greased Lightnin'!

Relevant Information for Grease - The London Show

Grease
Dig out those Pink Ladies and T-Bird jackets as Grease is set to re-appear in the West End. ITV's brand new talent show "Grease Is The Word" will begin in April, so be prepare to be glued to your screens!

Grease the musical
Grease is back in the West End this summer! Make sure you follow ITV's 'Grease is the Word' to find out who'll become the next Sandy and Danny.

Grease Music
The cult classic is back and Grease is the word in the West End. It's an explosion of 50's Rock and Roll with a few touching heart felt tracks.

Dinner at L'Escargot with Grease
L'Escargot is the only place to dine when on a Grease theatre break in London. With cheap Grease tickets you can afford the sumptuous dining experience in London. Grease the musical will be extra special with a pre theatre dinner!

Grease - Piccadilly Theatre
This year sees the classic theatre production Grease return to the West End, showing at the the Piccadilly Theatre, a huge theatre on four floors. Book your theatre tickets to Grease and hotel stay with us for bargain prices.

Grease Is The Word - Talent Show
Grease is here...Start warming those vocal chords and digging out those Grease song sheets as the the talent show of all talent shows is coming to the UK. The new ITV show "Grease Is The Word" seeks to find the next Danny Zuko and Sandy Drumbrowski.

The Battle of Grease and Joseph
Grease is the Word arrives.The battle of 'Grease is the Word' versus 'Any Dream Will Do' continues as the impressive Saturday night ratings soar. Why not book a London Theatre Break with Holiday Extras to see the winning trio in the West End this summer?

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Pre-Theatre Afternoon Tea in London's West End at Fortnum and Mason - treat your family and friends with our pre-theatre afternoon tea offer at the Fortnum and Mason restaurant

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St Paul's Cathedral
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James Bond Breaks
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History Of Grease