Dubai, go live the summer romance with GREASE, the musical
We can’t tell you all now because there’s still time for you to head to the party; the shows are running from 12 June to 15 June
How does one critique a party, especially a fun party? One that starts with grown-ups behaving like teens (children, too), getting excited at the idea of devouring Chupa Chups and Orea* — knowing that while everyone’s watching, no one is judging. One can’t. Especially when the party ends up with a handful of us (adults) slow-dance walking our way out of the party halls (read: auditorium, Hartland International School, Dubai) while the other patiently grin and wait for us (them) to finish flaunting their dance moves, so they can exit! Instead, one can provide a rushed glimpse into what happened at the party you missed but still have a chance to attend!
Let’s rewind for a moment, though — it’s no secret because the party dates back to circa 1978 (movie) — recall the love story of Danny and Sandy at Rydell High School? Recall the oh-so-cool John Travolta and oh-so-delicate Olivia Newton-John. And now come back to the present — here’s how and what went at GREASE, presented by Musical Theatre Dubai (MTDXB), an adult community theatre group, on a balmy Tuesday evening (June 11, Press Night).
We gathered in our fashionable best and took our seats, and minutes later, wondered if we should have dressed up in our retro outfits — or instead, were we just envious of the beauty, charm, detailing, and aptness of the cast's costumes on the stage. 50 UAE-based singers, actors, and dancers dressed to play the part. Each one’s outfit, from the ribbons in the head to the floral prints on the dresses, the leather jackets to the satin nightwear, the high-waist flared skirts to the bow ties — was perfect, and even in 2024, nothing felt out of place or forced, as they narrated this musical set in the 1950s. The production team, a massive shout out for getting us into the vibe (it took the crew and cast six months to put together and show, and they left us in awe of their talent!).
Now, it’s tough to adapt a stage musical into a movie, which was done back in the 70s. It’s more challenging to keep bringing the musical back after many have watched the film and when multiple versions of the musical have been around for a while — but this team seems to like challenges —for MTDXB’s party on the stage was just what the Dubai theatre scene needs, this even when times have changed so drastically, from jukeboxes to music streaming apps! While we were at the jukebox, the slight re-invention of the voice (character/radio presenter) on the box was a brilliant touch. We did love Vincent "Vince" Fontaine's outfit (flamboyant pink blazer and socks) — as he reminded us of house rules subtly, nudged us to spread the word on the show to friends and family, and made us laugh with his antics, dialogue delivery and more.
There are many, many notable mentions, as each one on the stage, behind, and the live orchestra deserves massive applause. However, we know readers have fading patience, so we’ll quickly tempt you to grab your tickets to this musical party.
Hold on! Did they get the Greased Lightnin; the car on the stage? The attention to detail would make OCDs like us grin—they even got the apt license plate. The coconut shells, the cream on the beverages, everything was perfect.
T-Birds GREASER gang — Doody, Sonny, Putzie, and his best friend Kenickie—yes, men dressed up with attitude (cigarettes behind ears) and like that once upon a time. Who did we love more? Please don't make us choose. C-C-C-C-C-C. A-A-A-A Minor. F-F-F-F-F-F. G-G-G-G-G7. We've always loved men who can play the guitar, right?
The crew's use of the stage area and the auditorium space was brilliant — no action felt forced, even as they entered from the back doors, danced, sang, and sat on the stairs in the aisle!
Hello, The Pink Ladies — Frenchy, Marty, Jan, and leader Rizzo — Mean Girls need inspiration, and you know where to find it. Frenchy had her heart, Rizzo had the oomph, Marty was a ‘mood’, Jan, we feel you!
Cha-Cha, you had us googling dance classes in Dubai!
Patty, where does an actor get this kind of energy? We’re returning to watch you again. And yes, Eugene, of course, you too.
Angel with wings: We never thought angels could look glamorous and dance and sing so dearly!
We can’t tell you all now because there’s still time for you to head to the party; the shows are running from 12 June to 15 June. But here’s what we can leave you with — When the summer ends, Sandy frets that they may never meet again, but Danny tells her that their love is "only the beginning". For us, this is only the beginning, for musicals are here to stay in Dubai, and yes, the next time someone tells you that NYC only has a Broadway vibe, point them to Dubai.
Ultimately, Danny becomes a letterman (high school sports participant), and Sandy transforms into a GREASER girl. In 2024, you may want to change the script a bit, but if you are willing to go with the flow — let classics be classics and enjoy them for what they are or were! A few words of friendly advice: The production is a tad bold for what the Dubai audience is used to seeing (hello, Playboy magazine, no; hello, ‘beverages’ on stage, no; hello, kids in the audience; no!)
As for why we called it a party, we all tapped our feet and danced as part of the curtain call (and a little more), and on our music apps, we’re once again back to the era — Summer lovin', had me a blast; Summer lovin', happened so fast; Tell me more, tell me more….
*Pick your share on the ground floor of the auditorium; it’s complementary, and no one judges your sweet tooth or dance moves!
Read more about the production here
Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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