After electrifying sold out seasons in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and soon to open in Perth and Adelaide, producer John Frost has announced that Australia’s ‘Number One Party Musical’ Grease is coming to Hobart with the full professional cast.
Tasmanian audiences will have the opportunity to experience the high-energy, smash hit musical that has taken the rest of the country by storm and includes such unforgettable songs as You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.
Leading the all-star cast in the iconic roles of Danny and Sandy are born entertainer Rob Mills and rising star Gretel Scarlett. Bert Newton returns to his radio roots to play the role of slick veteran disc jockey Vince Fontaine, while Todd McKenney dusts off his dancing shoes to star as Teen Angel.
The role of All-American, rock-star Johnny Casino, has gone to John Paul Young, and television and stage veteran Val Lehman returns to play Rydell High’s tough school principal Miss Lynch. Rizzo, the leader of the Pink Ladies, is played by Lucy Maunder, and Kenickie by Stephen Mahy.
The cast also includes Francine Cain (Frenchy), Eli Cooper (Eugene), Antoniette Iesue (Patty), Sam Ludeman (Sonny), Scott McConnell (Doody), Duane McGregor (Roger), Laura Murphy (Jan), Karla Tonkich (Marty) and Andrea Arena (Cha Cha).
Ensemble roles are played by Jared Bryan, Elisha Chin, Shaye Hopkins, Heath Keating, Jessica Lindon, Mitchell Mahony, Natasha Marconi, Scott Morris, Glen Oliver, Daniel Raso, Stephanie Silcock and Jessica White.
Frost said, “Rarely have I seen audience reactions like the ones we have been receiving every night for Grease, with everyone in the aisles dancing and singing along. GREASE truly is Australia’s ‘Number One Party Musical’, and now I’m delighted to give audiences in Hobart the chance to sing-a-long and dance with Rob, Gretel, Todd, Val, JPY, Bert and the gang on stage.”
“The last time I brought a show to Hobart was in 1999 with Grease – The Arena Spectacular, and the response was amazing. We couldn’t let Tasmania miss out on the new production of Grease, so when the opportunity at the Derwent Entertainment Centre came up, we couldn’t say no!”
So Tasmania, get ready to dust off your leather jackets, pull on your poodle skirts and take a trip to a simpler time as “bad boy” Danny and “the girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again.
Grease will play at Derwent Entertainment Centre for five performances only from 5 – 7 September 2014. For more information and bookings, visit: www.greaseistheword.com.au for details.
Image: Greased Lightnin’ – by Jeff Busby