Grease is still the One That We Want

In August, John Frost’s new production of Grease will premiere in Brisbane. With 35 years since the film was released, and alongside the die-hard fans, there is a new generation waiting for this musical.

The last big on-stage production in Australia was 22 years ago (though there have been two arena spectaculars since) and now Grease is returning to its roots – the proscenium arch theatre. This new production has a lovely mix of musical theatre favourites through the generations with Bert Newton as Vince Fontaine, Todd McKenney as Teen Angel, Anthony Callea as Johnny Casino, Lucy Maunder as Rizzo, Rob Mills as Danny and Gretel Scarlett as Sandy.

Cast member Stephen Mahy, who will play Kenickie took some out to speak to Aussie Theatre’s Jemma Lanyon about his upcoming role in the production.

Mahy, who graduated from WAAPA in 2006 with fellow cast member Lucy Maunder (Dr Zhivago), commented on how their time as WAAPA classmates helped with their Grease onstage relationship. “We have a natural friendship and banter that’s perfect for Rizzo and Kenickie” he says.

Pre-WAAPA, Stephen had never had a singing lesson. He learnt by singing along to Anthony Warlow’s Best of Act One CD and says he was just “a mobile phone salesman with a stupid addiction to jeans” before he decided to follow his passion.

Post-WAAPA, Stephen has been continually busy with roles in Miss Saigon and as Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys. He has also appeared in Channel 10’s I Will Survive, performed his own cabaret and is currently in SPANK! The 50 Shades Parody at 12^th Night Theatre.

Due to strong ticket sales in their first weeks on sale, Producer John Frost has added an extra week onto the Brisbane season at QPAC, commenting that Brisbane’s “rush to buy tickets” prompted him to secure the extended season. Tickets for the extra week will be available from Monday 22 April.

So, come along and see if Grease is still the word when it commences performances at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from August 20!

The show will also play seasons at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from October 13, and at her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from January 2, 2014.

For more information visit greaseistheword.com.au