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Grease

West Valley Light Opera

June 21-July 19, 2008

Avg. Event Rating (3.9 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Appearing in this theatre for the first time is this rollicking musical comedy, Grease, which opened in 1972 and became one of Broadway's longest-running musicals, with Barry Bostwick, Richard Gere, and Patrick Swayze sharing the leading role. It takes a nostalgic look at growing up in the ultra-cool 50's, when slicked-back hair, beehive hairdos, tight pedal pushers, bobby sox, pajama parties, and drive-in movies were the rage. In 1978 Paramount Pictures released its film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and it became one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. A recent reality TV show, searching for talent for a Broadway revival, has brought more attention to this era and this production which made Broadway history with its 8-year run. Hairspray is the most recent musical to bring the same look and sound of the 50's. Popular songs include Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin' and We Go Together.

• At-a-Glance
• Member Reviews
• Media Reviews
• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $20-$24

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  June 21-July 19, 2008

  Times:
  Fri-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2:30pm

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access
  • Assisted Listening System

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

  Add review/comment

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Awesome"
    Review posted by: Tim R from Sunnyvale, CA, Jul 19, 2008
    

    Came to the show with a certain level of expectation and it was quite certainly surpassed! Enjoyed a lot of the numbers. Oddly, my two favorites were "Alone At the Drive In" and "Look At Me, I'm... Expand

    Came to the show with a certain level of expectation and it was quite certainly surpassed! Enjoyed a lot of the numbers. Oddly, my two favorites were "Alone At the Drive In" and "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (the one at the end)" Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Several Strong Performances"
    Review posted by: Theater-Goer from San Jose, Ca, Jul 16, 2008
    

    For such a large cast (5 guy and 5 girl leads), WVLO has found a well rounded bunch of folks. I especially enjoyed the guys' performances. Their energy, while a little rough around the edges at times,... Expand

    For such a large cast (5 guy and 5 girl leads), WVLO has found a well rounded bunch of folks. I especially enjoyed the guys' performances. Their energy, while a little rough around the edges at times, was always up, and always entertaining. Stand out performances from Matt Tipton as Roger, with his energy and likable presence, he was very easy to watch, and Jillian Toby as Marty, who had a fantastic voice, and delivered a polished performance. Tracy Coad as Frenchy did a lot with a part that doesn't get to do much, and Leanne Bybee as Patty pumped energy into the show every time she appeared on stage. The real show stealer, though, was Ryan Blank as Eugene. He was completely and perfectly hilarious. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "GREASE is not the word"
    Review posted by: VHS from Santa Clara, Jul 14, 2008
    

    First off, I agree with previous comments that the cost of community theatre is out of control and this show is definitely not worth the money. Secondly, I came to see Mom Reynolds but was... Expand

    First off, I agree with previous comments that the cost of community theatre is out of control and this show is definitely not worth the money. Secondly, I came to see Mom Reynolds but was disappointed to not see her in the pit! Most of the problems with this show are due to direction. The pacing is slow, character choices are wrong (Danny should be cool, not a dork), blocking and use of scenery and props is awkward. Eugene and Patty steal the show, and again, most everything that I disliked was due to direction, or rather lack thereof. Some of the characters were good, but for the most part they were all lacking....a lot. I would not recommend this show. Save your money, go see another show. I support WVLO, but it's hard to support production quality like this. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Well done! Bravo."
    Review posted by: Mit from SF Bay Area., Jul 13, 2008
    

    Saw the show again on July 12 after seeing opening night. Wow the show is even better. The two leads were great. The actor playing Danny was very entertaining, has a great falsetto, and is an expert... Expand

    Saw the show again on July 12 after seeing opening night. Wow the show is even better. The two leads were great. The actor playing Danny was very entertaining, has a great falsetto, and is an expert at cool poses with his comb! The actress playing Sandy was perfect, perfect, perfect!(no..no relation, I don't even know her name.) But really, she nailed it. Perfect! As with opening night, enjoyed the whole cast as well! Thank you West Valley Light Opera! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Fun show."
    Review posted by: Mr. T. C. from Cupertino, Jul 11, 2008
    

    The singing and dancing was a lot of fun to watch. The band is great. Very strong ensemble cast, all added to the show.

    The singing and dancing was a lot of fun to watch. The band is great. Very strong ensemble cast, all added to the show.

  • Event Name: Grease
    "A Fun Show"
    Review posted by: Kathy from Los Gatos, CA, Jul 10, 2008
    

    I enjoyed this show. I thought the actors did a good job, especially Sandy. I loved her voice and thought she did a great job with her character. I would recommend this show and have.

    I enjoyed this show. I thought the actors did a good job, especially Sandy. I loved her voice and thought she did a great job with her character. I would recommend this show and have.

  • Event Name: Grease
    "AWESOME SHOW"
    Review posted by: Peter Hallowarth from Santa Cruz, CA USA, Jul 08, 2008
    

    The show was a lot of fun, not quite what I expected, but so much fun. Put sandy on stage more, she needs to sing more songs, her voice is awesome.

    The show was a lot of fun, not quite what I expected, but so much fun. Put sandy on stage more, she needs to sing more songs, her voice is awesome.

  • Event Name: Grease
    "A Lot Of Fun"
    Review posted by: John Alvarez from San Jose, CA USA, Jul 08, 2008
    

    The show was a lot of un. The cast had a lot of energy, and performed well. My only complaint with the show is Sandy was not on stage enough! Her singing and acting was absolutely great. Good job... Expand

    The show was a lot of un. The cast had a lot of energy, and performed well. My only complaint with the show is Sandy was not on stage enough! Her singing and acting was absolutely great. Good job Sandy!!! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Look at me... I'm Sandy Dee"
    Review posted by: Sandy from Sunnyvale, Jul 07, 2008
    

    WVLO always puts on a good production... and this one was no exception. I was dancing in my seat. Great energy and excitement from all on stage. I was a bit disappointed at times with Sandy... Expand

    WVLO always puts on a good production... and this one was no exception. I was dancing in my seat. Great energy and excitement from all on stage. I was a bit disappointed at times with Sandy performance and felt the other characters over powered. Vocally Rizzo outshines all and her acting with Kenicke was perfect casting. Frenchie as well was cast appropriately as well as the nerd Eugene. I was brought up during this era and felt that this production does justice to the way things were. I would like to see this show again. Good job by all. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grease
    "Fun Show!!"
    Review posted by: Bob from San Jose, CA, Jul 07, 2008
    

    Loved this musical, it was so much fun and the actors were great. Rizzo was my favorite and her vocals were amazing!!

    Loved this musical, it was so much fun and the actors were great. Rizzo was my favorite and her vocals were amazing!!

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