Since opening in New York City in 1972, Grease has been the quintessential retro musical that draws fans of 1950's music, fashion and humor. Celebrating its 10th anniversary season, the Summer Theatre of New Canaan delivered a sassy, electrifying production of Grease led by Christian Libonati in the leading role of Danny Zuko, leader of this gang of greasers, called the Burger Palace Boys.
From his first entrance as part of the opening number, Alma Mater Parody, Libonati is riveting and energetic. Whereas the thousands of actors who have gone before him in this role--think John Travolta in the film version--it's easy to slip into a caricature of the funny albeit dumb meathead/greaser type that every high school seems to have no matter what decade you are in. However, Libonati's Danny is seen in his twitching fingers and cocky walk to his swirling hips which are fully on display in the choreography for 'Summer Nights'. He is the giggling romantic ingenue who clearly is entranced with the girl of his dreams, Sandy Dumbrowski, even though she doesn't quite fit in with his friends and, as importantly, the image he has carved for himself. Libonati clearly demonstrates the ambiguity of every adolescent who is torn between pleasing himself and caving into peer pressure.
Overall, the male ensemble was strong. However, when Libonati was onstage, he had my full attention. His comedic timing was impeccable and I enjoyed watching his character's reactions onstage, especially when the focus wasn't necessarily on him.
Cristina Farruggi brings strong vocal chops to "There Are Worse Things I Could Do," a ballad sung by Rizzo, the show's tough girl and leader of the Pink Ladies. David Hancock Turner's music direction and Doug Shankman's choreography keeps the show swiftly moving. In the program notes, director Melody Meitrott Libonati said much of the production's spirit was inspired by the original Broadway show, which she was a part of. She gives credit to Broadway director Tom Moore and choreographer Pat Birch for the immense research that led to Grease's realistic characters and authentic '50's style moves. Ms. Libonati clearly knew her material well as she performed onstage in several roles both on Broadway and in national tours.
Watching New Canaan's Grease is the perfect way to spend a 'Summer Night.' (For those who don't know, this is another song from the show. By now, most audience members are familiar with the musical's soundtrack.)
It's fun, it's rockin', it's high school as you may remember it to be! Get your tickets to Grease now--the show closes on Sunday, August 11. The Summer Theatre of New Canaan is also performing three children's show this season: The Little Mermaid, Jr., The Cat in The Hat, and Pinkalicous. For more information and tickets, call the box office at 203-966-4634.
