Grease Reviews

Lindsay Shanner from Chicago, Illinois

I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE IT...

Ok, let me start by saying that I did not expect the car to fly or for there to be a car race but MAN was I disappointed. Yes it was only the second day of the show being open (a "preview" performance) but this was like a high school version. I knew going in the stage version was much different than the movie like the songs being in a different order but I never saw this performance coming... in a bad way. Danny and Sandy had NO chemistry and had less stage time than Kenickie and Rizzo. Danny and Sandy seemed to switch roles as Sandy belted at times that felt awkward and Danny could not even hold the end of songs. Whenever they shared the stage, I felt no tension whatsoever and the ensemble was the only thing interesting going on. HUGE props to the T-Birds and Pink Ladies for keeping the show going, and especially a shoutout to the Beauty Angel. PLEASE work on the chemistry and body language as I felt that the performance felt cold and distance between the two lovers. 3/5 stars.

A and D from Chicago, Illinois

DISAPPOINTING

Sandy and Danny were going through the motions but didn’t have chemistry. I agree with the other review saying, “Please work on the chemistry.” My son and I felt we were seeing a Glee concert instead of a musical. The T-Birds and Pink Ladies were terrific and the Beauty Angel made the show.

LJ from Chicago, Illinois

NEEDS A LITTLE FINE-TUNING

My husband and I enjoyed the show but have some suggestions. "Summer Nights" is the best song in "Grease" and should have had a bigger production number with more dancing. Also, Sandy's "new look" didn't have a big reveal. That's one of the climaxes and it was dreadfully understated. I agree with the other reviewers about the leads; there just wasn't enough chemistry and I didn't feel emotionally invested in the performances. The "beauty school dropout" number was good but we could have done without the smoke. On the positive side, the set design and costumes were very good and the sound quality was excellent.

Vickie from Buffalo Grove, IL

MEH...

I agree with the other reviews. Sandy and Danny were disappointing. No chemistry at all. The Pink Ladies and T-Birds stole the show, particularly Rizzo. She was a powerhouse! I've been to other productions here and they are have been well done and fun, but this one was just ok.

Jodie from McHenry, Illinois

I DIDN'T GET CHILLS. THEY WEREN'T MULTIPLYING.

I have seen at least 50 productions at the Marriott Theatre over the years and I have always been very impressed with the productions and the quality of talent that the Marriott has been able to secure. I was very excited to see the production of Grease. It is probably my favorite musical of ALL TIME and I could not wait to hear and see some of the iconic songs in action. There were a few bright spots in the performance. The talented ladies who played Rizzo and Marty were wonderful. I really enjoyed their portrayal of the characters. I also really enjoyed the Beauty School Dropout number in the show. Aside from those few highlights, I was pretty disappointed. I think I was especially disappointed in the casting of Sandy and Danny. I did not see any "chemistry" or "tension" from the two of them, as many other reviewers have previously mentioned. Overall, the show was "fine" but it did not seem to reach the caliber of what I would have expected from a Marriott performance.

Heather Bernin from Chicago, Illinois

MISSED THE MARK

We were so excited about this performance. We are season ticket holders and this one of the series I was looking forward to. We got extra tickets for family members. Sorry to say it was a big let down. Casting was OFF, musical numbers mediocre and we felt no connection whatsoever between any of these characters. I was sure it would all be redeemed with Sandy's fabulous, edgy and black leather reveal for the last number but, then.... NOPE. Rizzo was the only redeeming character and performance in this show. I left feeling like I needed to go home and watch the original movie to get my Grease mojo back. Sorry Marriott Theater, you missed the mark on this one.

Patti Perry from Wilmette, Illinois

CUTE WITH DARK EDGE

First of all, Jimmy Nicholas, who played Danny Zucko, was terrific.He also is a look-a-like for actor Michael Schoeffling in Sixteen Candles. So that's not too bad. They all had strong voices. The actress in the role of Sandy was too church girl mousy, and the Pink Ladies were a little too bitchy - using the crass third finger 3 times. Sandy did not need to punch the cheerleader in the face. It almost seemed like the West Side Story girls joined Grease. Also, the Marriott uses dark background lighting which sets a more somber mood to their productions.

Becca Braxton from San Bernardino, California

GREASE, WASN’T THE WORD FOR DANNY AND SANDY!

I just wanted to say this: it was an enjoyable musical. For the positives of this production! The Pink Ladies and T-Birds were terrific! They sang with passion, energy, and emotion! It was more enjoyable to watch them than Danny and Sandy! They all got into the characters and did justice to them! However, there were two characters that could be improved. While Sandy's vocals were decent, there were a few instances where the strain was apparent. Sadly, she didn't convey the emotions required for the song "Hopelessly Devoted to You", which was disappointing. On the other hand, Danny had an excellent voice, but lacked the necessary emotions in some of the songs. While he did an exceptional job with one song, he fell short on the others. It's fair to say that Sandy and Danny lacked the chemistry of a romantic couple and appeared more like friends. Overall, it was an enjoyable performance with room for improvement.

Ray from Chicago, Illinois

LACKLUSTER

I’m a fan of this theatre company . Consistently delivers high quality. But not this time . I’ve seen Grease on the stage twice and this production falls short . The lead players were weak. Danny had little charisma, poor comedic timing and a mediocre singing voice . The best moments were “ beauty school dropout “ and Rizzo’s strong performance “ there are worse things I could do” she was on her A game . Sadly , few others were at her level . Overall an uninspired and forgettable production.

Mark from Chicago, Illinois

MAJOR DISSAPPOINTMENT

I am a long time subscriber and generally enjoy the productions. I was particularly excited for this production given my familiarity and enjoyment of the storyline. This was a major disappointment in several areas. The quality of the sets and vocal quality was marginally acceptable. My primary disappointment came from the complete lack of chemistry and emotional connection between the characters,, most notably Danny and Sandy. Based on stage time you wouldn't think they were the main characters. While I did not expect this performance to replicate the original, I was surprised Sandy was not wearing the iconic back outfit from the movie. If the reviews continue a negative trend along the same themes, I would very much be interested in perspective from the Producer to perhaps provide additional perspective. I had just seen Beauty and the Beast at the Paramount the night before and the difference in talent and stage production disparity was striking.

Mark from Palos Heights, Illinois

LET DOWN

To repeat earlier comments, the chemistry was unfortunately nonexistent. I kept thinking throughout the show that perhaps the role of Sandy was miscast. I never felt the naïve innocence or cross over at the end. It felt as if the performers had never seen the musical to know how they were supposed to relate with each other. I am a subscriber and will be tempted to go see it again in a month or so. This is the first performance I’ve seen at Marriott in a long time where I felt it just went completely flat. I would expect they will make the necessary changes and this will be a much different show in a few weeks.

Anne from Chicago, Illinois

FLAT

I totally agree with the reviews already given. Big disappointment. I usually leave the Marriott performances all invigorated and energetic. After this show, I wanted to go home to take a nap.

John from Lincolnshire, IL

HOW CAN YOU SCREW UP 'GREASE'?

When you have a show that the whole world has seen before and loves, it seems almost impossible to ruin it. Not this production! They tried to do a good job. Some of the ensemble stood out as doing a good job. Beauty Angel stole the show! Congratulations to him. As far as direction and choreography, the whole evening was disjointed. There is a difference between dancing/ singing together, and dancing/singing at the same time. Kinetic energy alone is not entertaining. There were gaps between lines that you could drive a truck through. While watching, the audience was praying for a song to come up soon. Sandy, although a good singer, appears to be 12 years old. The whole production looks as though the Marriott is trying to cut their expenses. Amateur at best. Grease has proven itself to be classic over the years. This production emphasized all the parts that drag a show down, and totally missed opportunities to perk it back up again.

from Chicago, Illinois

DISAPPOINTED

I agree with the others that the stage time for Danny and Sandy was short, and they had no chemistry, her not being at the dance was awkward and the costumes didn’t live up either. I am happy to say I got my tickets for half price on ticketmaster because I felt I went to high school play. Beauty school drop out was the best act and costumes

J from Chicago, Illinois

GOOD BUT NEEDS WORK.

Seems like alot of money went into that new sign out front. This musical wasnt what i was expecting from Marriot Theatre. Normally the productions here are amazing! The songs were all out of line and the singing dont expect an amazing broadway show. Think of highschool production. Also front row seating is kinda the worst for the production as many props blocked viewers. How ever the show was good the women that played rizzo stole the show in my words her heartbreaking and emotional “thats the worse thing i could do” totally shook the building. As too danny and sandy needs to be a rethink of actors. No connection whatsoever.

Veronica from Atlantic City, New Jersey

SAVE YOUR MONEY

Terrible. Left at intermission. Save your money.

Danielle from Atlantic City, New Jersey

HORRIBLE LEFT DURING INTERMISSION

I didn't think it was gonna be that bad. The cast really didn't fit the characters. Frenchie was the only character that had any acting ability in my opinion. Sandy and Danny had no chemistry. The singing was extremely off except for the girl who played Frenchie and the boy who had the guitar scene although he couldn't dance. The background dancers were too animated and took away from the stars of the show. Our tickets were complimentary so we were lucky but a lot of people left with us who paid for the show. I don't recommend this performance at all.

Mary B Ryan from Atlantic City, New Jersey

AWFUL

This was the worst production I’ve ever seen in my life and that includes kindergartners talent shows! We left after they butchered Sandy, we really tried to stay till the end but it was too difficult to listen to anymore! Most of the audience were laughing but not at the lines. Wish I could get a refund it wasn’t cheap…. But the band at the bar were amazing and saved the night !!!!

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