GREASE IS THE WORD

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

Review by Kathy Carpenter

 

June 30, 2023 (La Mesa) - Transport yourself to another time and place as the Visionary Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kidz Act Up, brings the timeless musical "Grease" to life. Under the skillful direction and choreography of Sharla Mandere, this production takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1950s, a bygone era that stands 70 years in the past. The world was vastly different then, and today's youth may struggle to grasp the realities of that time. However, "Grease" remains a classic that many of us grew up with, but for the younger generation, it offers a window into a fascinating period. Successfully capturing the essence and attitude of that era on stage is truly an accomplishment in itself.

Mandere's role as a history teacher to the talented 9-17-year-olds shines through in her ability to bring the era of the 1950s to vivid life. With her guidance, the young performers truly embraced the spirit of the time, displaying a genuine understanding and appreciation for the historical context. It was a joy to witness these budding talents as they showcased their skills, blossoming before our very eyes. Each child brought their own unique flair to the stage, showcasing their individual strengths and talents. The musical brought to life the beloved characters and iconic songs that we all adore from the movie.

London Smith takes on the role of Sandy, while Johnathan Gomez brings Danny to life in this rendition of "Grease." However, unlike the movie, where Danny and Sandy take center stage, this musical production takes a refreshing approach by giving everyone their moment to shine. , Jazmine Hannon's portrayal of Marty truly stood out. Her rendition of "Freddy My Love" was a delight, hitting all the right notes. Additionally, Jack Stover's portrayal of Sonny won over the hearts of the audience.,The entire ensemble demonstrated their abilities,to illuminate their character in a special way. Two things these kids did exceptionally well, was dance ( this is a dance Theatre), and move into their pose positions.

It's time to come out and support developing talent. Visionary gives kids a chance to live their dreams. Their dreams include live performances in which they feed off the love you show them. Grease is playing thru July 9th, 2023, 8674 La Mesa Blvd. Visionary Dance Theatre in La Mesa.

The musical runs June 30 through July 9 at Visionary Dance Theatre in La Mesa.

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.