September 9, 1997
Choreography saves the day
By John Berger
Special to the Star Bulletin
THE commercial popularity of "Grease" is equaled by its relentlessly patronizing view of the music and
the late-'50s teen stereotypes it purports to celebrate. The songs are mostly mediocre parodies of classic
rock 'n' roll. The plot lacks continuity. The content is pretty crude fare.
Parents who expose pre-pubescent children to "Grease" at Army Community Theatre should be prepared for
questions about menstrual periods, condoms, "mooning" and a plethora of slang phrases for various body
parts and sexual activities.
The underlying message? Scholastics, sports and virginity are for nerds; drinking, smoking, teen gangs, and
an active high school sex life are cool.
A complete make-over from wholesome virgin to girl-gang sexpot is what wins Sandy Dumbrowski (Zoey
Anguay) the heart, mind and other body parts of Danny Zuko (Chris Jones). What a lesson in personal
character for teens!
Director Ronald E. Bright is featuring much of the same talent pool he favors for his shows at Castle High
School. Not all of them are currently Castle students, but this "Grease" is closer to a high school show than
community theater.
It has a generally tentative and low-energy ambience except when Marcelo Pacleb's colorful and expansive
choreography fills the stage with action. Many sound problems that marred the performance Saturday would
be reduced by performers with stronger singing voices or more experience with body mikes. Clarity and
staging are often problematic.
Some performances shine through. K. Mahi'ai Kekumu (Roger) and Isaac Calpito (Doody) distinguish themselves
in key numbers. Elana Iervolino (Rizzo) turns "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" into the dramatic climax
of the show; she's a killer throughout. Desi Jevon (Kenickie) proves a dynamo with talent to spare.
Jerry O. Parker (Teen Angel) makes "Beauty School Dropout" the showstopper it should be with a tremendous
performance. Jacqueline A. Blind (Miss Lynch), Rachelle Chun (Jan), Adealani Gerkewicz (Cha-Cha) and
Scott Ruddock (Vince Fontaine) sparkle in smaller roles.
Anguay is overshadowed for most of the show but makes "Devoted to You" a touching highlight.
Choreographer Pacleb consistently crafts the best moments. The ensemble numbers are a joy. Several
outstanding individual dancers spice the action with dramatic bursts of physical virtuosity.
Tom Giza's sets effectively define location while providing maximum space for the action. His "staircase to
heaven" for Parker is a masterpiece of illusion and function. Kenickie's car is another great Giza
creation.