With only three weeks until opening night at the Clink Theatre, The Douglas Theatre Arts Group’s (DTAG) production of Grease is progressing very well, and as they say in showbiz, 'it’ll be all right on the night'.

Grease is a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey with additional songs written by John Farrar. Named for the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as Greasers, the musical is set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School (based on Chicago, Illinois' William Howard Taft School) and follows ten working-class teenagers as they navigate the complexities of peer pressure, politics, personal core values, and love.

With the added touch of Douglas Shire talent, President of DTAG Michael Kerr said they have a fantastic cast and crew of about 45, which is vital for any production to be able to deliver on the night.

“Everyone is working really well together and the show is looking and sounding really great.

“We have ten principal characters, seven supporting characters, five in the chorus and eight dancers with approximately fifteen in the choir and backstage,” said Mr Kerr.

As with any live musical theatre, one would not be surprised that the level of energy during the DTAG Grease rehearsals is no different to any major musical theatre, upbeat, positive and sometimes loud said Mr Kerr.

Also with such levels of energy sourcing through the cast and crew’s rehearsals, Mr Kerr said that at “most times they are focused but always energetic, great fun and a very supportive cast and crew.”

DTAG are also very fortunate to have two very talented professionals in song and dance offering their expertise to the Grease production.

Alteouise DeVaughn, Musical Director, is a Mezzo-Soprano.  She is well known to audiences throughout the USA and Europe and now shares her career achievements to local audiences. Since her move to FNQ she has been delighting Australian audiences and has recently joined Opera Australia as a principal artist. Alteouise has a global reputation as both a performer and teacher.

Saskia Turner, Choreographer, is the Principal of Bodies in Motion. She began her dance-teaching career at the age of 15 as a student teacher.  Passing her Dance Teaching Certificate with Southern Federation of Dance at 19 years of age, she received Honours with Distinction, the highest mark possible, placing her at the top one percent of students tested nationally. Saskia also completed a full year studying dance with RAW Dance Company in Brisbane. 

“Each lady has gone out of their way to provide extra rehearsal times and perfect a great show,” said Mr Kerr.

“Alteouise’ interpretation of the score and ability to bring a song from everyone has allowed people to flourish in their voices, confidence & performance.

“Saskia is a true performer taking on not only the role of choreographer but also the role of Cha Cha. She has made the dancing easy to learn and fun to perform.”

With the countdown commencing toward opening night, the Grease production’s final full closed rehearsals will be coordinated in stages, to ensure ‘it’ll be all right on the night’.

The first costume dress rehearsals will be Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March.  The full technical rehearsal will run Saturday 26 March.  The live dress rehearsal, with invited seniors only, will be Sunday 27 March.

Also, don’t forget the competition to *win a double pass to Grease at the Clink Theatre. For your chance to win simply comment with your favourite Grease Character here Facebook Newsport Daily

• 1st Prize: Double pass to the Grease opening night on Tuesday, 29 March
• 2nd Prize: Double pass to Grease on Friday 1 April

* Terms & Conditions apply.