Grease
at Fountain Valley

Reviewed on April 10, 2019

Geraldine Ang
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

FVHS's "Grease" is Automatic, Systematic, Hydromatic Lightnin'!
written by Geraldine Ang, a sophomore at University High School

"Grease," set in America's vibrant 1950s of teased curls and sleek leather, follows the students of Rydell High School as they rumble and roll their way through new identities, stressful reputations, and awkward fresh romance. Fountain Valley's rendition of the iconic story does not disappoint, a lively spectacle of passionate characters and clever technical elements.

Kyle Eichinger is the charming Danny Zuko, gliding across the stage with easy words and suave smirks. He reclines idly on a school bench, an eyebrow raised as he jokes around with the rest of his energetic gang. Even when the lovely Sandy Dee arrives on the scene, Danny plays things cool, slicking back his curls and spinning away. Eichinger's smooth saunter and tossed-back shoulders effectively portray a typical teenage boy, determined to be nothing less than cool.

Beautifully contrasting sweet-talking Zuko is the endearing Sandy Dumbrowski (Crystal Martin). She trails behind the feisty Pink Ladies (Natalie Scott, Delaney Schultz, Vivian McDivit, and Sage Delaney) with careful movements, desperately wanting to fit in at her new school. She displays a lovably rueful side in "It's Raining on Prom Night," moping on her bed as she wails into a hairbrush. However, Sandy transforms herself in act two, strutting on stage with a newfound, leather-clad confidence. Through nervous grins and bright eyes evolving into cool stares and flirty winks, Martin successfully showcases Sandy's drastic reinvention of herself.

Natalie Scott steals the spotlight as Betty Rizzo in "There Are Worse Things I Could Do." She blooms with fiery rage, sick of being judged for the things she does. Her face twists with anger as her powerful voice echoes through the air, unapologetic and sorrowful at the same time. The waves of searing energy radiating off of Scott flawlessly highlights her character's exhaustion and wrath at the world around her, always sizing her up.

FVHS Theatrical Design Class's innovative set goes perfectly together with the engaging characters like rama-lama-ding-dong. The black-and-white, glossy, checkered floor cleverly alludes to retro, 1950s diners, enhancing the recognizable time period of the plot. Twin rotating platforms spin to life with the story, brilliantly morphing a beat-up, junkyard car into a sweet, gleaming, cherry-red ride. The hand-built surfaces are an exciting yet simple way to retell a storyline full of action-packed swerves and twists.

Fountain Valley's "Grease" is full of high spirits, rocking hand-jiving, and dazzling fun.

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Groove and Meaning in Fountain Valley's "Grease"
written by Elena Plumb, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Welcome to the 1950's, when teenagers rocked poodle skirts and leather jackets while dancing to the upbeat tunes of the era. Alas, the Golden Age wasn't all sock hops and rock ‘n' roll, but a convoluted maze of popularity, rebellion, and love. Upon recognizing her summer crush has rejected her to preserve his bad-boy reputation, Sandy Dumbrowski finds herself blindly wandering this very maze. Marked by inexhaustible energy and dedication, FVHS's "Grease" brings the groove of the ‘50s to life.

Crystal Martin infuses Sandy with fire and spunk, stomping her feet in moments of frustration or slapping the wiseacre Patty (McKenzie Martell) across the face. However, Martin alludes to her character's core innocence, speaking with a high-pitched tone, maintaining a slight, self-effacing slouch, and coughing as she tries her first cigarette.

Complimenting Martin as her leather-clad love interest, Kyle Eichinger (Danny Zuko) embodies the slickness of the stereotypical greaser. While Eichinger flashes cartoony smiles and smoothly combs his hair, Bryan Noble (Doody) stumbles along with far less sophistication. Whether nervously twiddling his thumbs or tripping as he chases Frenchie (Sage Delaney), Noble's awkward character is lovable nonetheless.

Though the Pink Ladies strut in synchronization, each actress highlights her character's unique persona. With her tall posture and upturned chin, Natalie Scott (Rizzo) exudes confidence and moxie. As the performance progresses, Scott sheds her character's callous exterior and lines her voice with anguish during "There Are Worse Things I Could Do." In contrast with Rizzo's acerbity, Delaney Schultz embraces not only Marty's sarcasm and deadpan expression, but her soft spot for romance. In "Freddy, My Love," she playfully twirls around the bedroom and admires old photo reels.

Costumes (Crystal Martin and the Theatrical Production Class) employ bright colors and copious sequins to capture that famous ‘50s pop. Additionally, costuming emphasizes character traits, reinforcing Sandy's evolution through a transition from a conservative midi dress to a skin-tight jumpsuit.

The Theatrical Production Class's set comprises a neutral backdrop with a jukebox and song list, while rotating platforms in the wings facilitate scene shifts. In a matter of seconds, a bedroom is transformed into a lunch table, and a clunky white car becomes a gleaming red convertible during "Greased Lightning."

Lively and touching, FVHS's "Grease" explores the importance of love, introspection, and trusting your friends to steer you back on track, no matter how lost you may seem.

Katie Wagner
University
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

From Lace to Leather, Transformation and Tomfoolery in Fountain Valley's ‘Grease'
written by Katie Wagner, a senior at University High School

Five leather-clad boys with slicked back hair and thumbs tucked into their belt loops rambunctiously laugh. They tease one another mercilessly, a mark of true friendship. Opposite them, a group of girls in pink bomber jackets titter and gossip swapping the sordid details of a summer gone by. Suddenly, a sweet looking new girl enters. Thus begins the classic tale of "Grease".

"Grease" at Fountain Valley High School is the tale of a summer romance gone awry. Danny and Sandy seemed perfect for each other, but when fall begins and they return to regular life, it seems the relationship won't survive. Full of energetic performances and creative technical elements, this show is a nostalgic romp through the 50's, about love and independence.

As Sandy, Crystal Martin transforms from waifish ingenue to unabashed bombshell. She begins with a slightly slumped posture and demurely lowered eyes, singing her woes into a hairbrush, voice quiet. However, when scorned by love Danny (Kyle Eichinger), she is filled with sudden gumption, straightening her posture and stepping into a shiny, skin tight black catsuit. Now, her hips sway and her voice rings, a skillfully executed change which serves to show that confidence is often a person's most attractive quality.

Rizzo (Natalie Scott) shines during solo song "There Are Worse Things I Could Do". While portraying a charismatic, sarcastic, and tough character, this song allows Scott to showcase her ability to perform with emotional range. On the verge of tears, Scott tilts her face skyward, eyes squeezed shut, and allows a confident voice to loudly soar. Admirably, Scott's turn as a notorious hard-ass proves the vulnerability present even in the most guarded people.

Particularly in standout musical number "Greased Lightnin'", student choreographer Amanda Hay's work is thoroughly enjoyable. The five Burger Palace Boys are at one point arranged in a single file line, three standing and two sitting, grinning brightly and enthusiastically kicking their legs. On a different occasion, they suavely twirl powder blue handkerchiefs. Insightfully, Hay creates choreography that requires not precision but instead exuberance to execute, which thrusts the gleeful anarchy the boys embody to prominence.

At Fountain Valley, talented technicians and actors pair energy and intelligence to afford a well known, lighthearted tale surprising depth.