Viva Youth Theatre’s production of ‘Grease’ at the Performing Arts Centre, Soham Village College on Friday July 12 was attended by ROSEMARY WESTWELL. Here are her thoughts.
ON a gorgeous summer evening in July there is nothing finer than attending an excellent theatrical production and Viva Youth Theatre’s ‘Grease’ was no disappointment. The energy, enthusiasm, fantastic choreography and very high standing of music brought the stage alive.
There seemed a massive cast, but the multi-levelled staging was no problem for these talented performers.
The leading members of the company, Danny (Charlie O’Connor) and Sandy (Madison Eddy) were ideal, their characters, singing and actions recreating that memorable love story perfectly.
Other notable characters were the sparky, spiteful, Betty Rizzo (Laura Day), the goody-goody Patty Simcox (Olivia Fahy), Kenickie (Aaron Lord) and his amazing ‘greased lightning’ car, beauty fanatic Frenchy (Emily Palmer) and Eugene Florczyck (Breannain Jakes).
I also thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of the lively Cha Cha DiGregorio (Mariana Carvalho), Sonny (Dan Lane), the straight-laced Miss Lynch (Cassie Rouse), Marty (Rebecca Storey), Vince Fontaine (Dylan Cardwell), Jan (Zara Minns), Doody (Matthew Buzer) and Walters (Isabel Avey).
Congratulations must be given to Artistic Director, Michael Kowalczyk, for stepping into the breach and filling the role of Roger after the original actor broke his wrist!
Supported by a lively rock band, the singing and dancing rocked twisted and jived magnificently.
Authentic haircuts, colourful costumes and youthful banter and antics made the day. Producers Dan Schumann and Lynn Quelch, Directors Michael Kowalczyk and Jenny Surridge (Music) and Choreographers Ellie Bovingdon and Louise Plummer and their team are to be congratulated for such a wonderful evening’s entertainment.
Auditions are now being held for their next production ‘The Ghost Train’ on Thursday July 18, 7,30 – 9 pm at the Brook, Soham and Sunday July 21 from 4-6.30 pm at the Performing Arts Centre, Soham Village College for people aged 18 and above.
Contact (01353) 722228 or vivayouth@hotmail.co.uk
Another yearly seasonal event you might like to attend is the pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk from December 26-January 14.
Contact: boxoffice@kdtheatre.co.uk tel: (01638) 781037.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here