Musical grease celebrates fifty years since its premiere in Chicago in 1971. Som Products has produced a fresh version of this blockbuster, premiering at the Teatro Alcalá in Madrid in 2021. This tour now brings the show to Alicante, where it will be staged for seven performances from October 26 to 29. The production recalls life at Rydell High School in the 1950s and has become a pop culture phenomenon, with Alicante Teatro bringing back the show under renewed management to deliver a robust renewal of its run.
The most recent Spanish staging was in 2012 under the guidance of the principal, and this time the story follows Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko, carried forward by a cast of young performers including Mia Lardner and Quique González, joined by a company of over 25 singers and actors. The onstage repertoire features roughly twenty songs, and the Spanish libretto preserves flagship numbers such as Summer Nights, Greased Lightning, You’re the One That I Want, and others. These numbers were adapted by Alejandro Serrano and David Serrano, with the second director of the musical coordinating the adaptation and productions in the show. Additional titles in the program include humor-filled ensembles and crowd-pleasers that echo the energy of the original production, while ensuring the performance remains accessible and thrilling for contemporary audiences. All songs are performed in English to maintain the authentic feel of the material. [citation: Alicante Teatro press office]
The musical takes its name from the subculture of 1950s working-class youth, a movement that inspired the creators Jim Jacobs and Arren Casey to imagine a show centered on the peak days of rock and roll. When it first opened, the cast operated as amateurs and the venue did not always provide seats, yet Broadway producers soon recognized the potential of the piece. It subsequently opened to acclaim at a legendary American musical theatre venue, cementing its status as a landmark in the genre. [citation: Broadway archives]
The enduring success of the show is reflected in many forms. The film adaptation released in 1979 propelled the story into global acclaim, featuring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta and grossing substantial box office returns. The enduring appeal rests in the blend of beloved music, sparkling dance numbers, and a feel-good romantic arc that continues to resonate with new generations, making the musical a perennial favorite for audiences seeking a nostalgic yet vibrant experience. [citation: Film history records]
In this production, the creative team includes musical direction by Joan Miquel Perez, choreography by Toni Espinosa, supervision by Ricardo Sánchez, and sound design by Gaston Briski. The wardrobe is crafted by Ana Llena, while the lighting design is handled by Alicante’s acclaimed lighting designer Juanjo Llorens. The ensemble features lead performers such as Isabel Pera, Diego Rey, Lucas Miramón, Elisa Hipólito, Pau Gimeno, Sonia Vallverdú, and Carlos Solano, among others. A new generation of artists previously seen in productions such as The Sound of Music, Cabaret, Billy Elliot, and titles from contemporary television and theatre projects rounds out the cast, bringing fresh energy to the classic. [citation: Alicante Teatro production notes]
Functions
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Thursday, October 26: 20:30.
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Friday, October 27: 17:30 and 21:30.
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Saturday, October 28: 17:30 and 21:30.
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Sunday, October 29: 17:00 and 20:30.