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Grease: The Exceptional Musical You Need To See Right Now

I have seen the play multiple times on Broadway and in local productions and I have to say the current production in Toronto did not disappoint.

By Laina Goldstein

By Laina GoldsteinView Author PostsNov 22nd 2017

To say I am a Grease junkie would be an understatement. Since the day I saw the movie in say 1995 at age six, I fell in love with the musical and all its stylish characters. I have seen the play multiple times on Broadway and in local productions and I have to say the current production in Toronto did not disappoint.

To give you more background about my obsession, I was Sandy in the grade four talent show at school, I dressed up as Sandy multiple times for Halloween growing up, and I always dreamed of having a squad just like the Pink Ladies.

In 2016 I watched the Grease Live TV musical and I was slightly disappointed by it. I didn’t love the casting, didn’t love the behind the scenes, simply overall didn’t love it.

When I saw the show at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre in Toronto last week I had an exceptional time. I brought my mom with me because she was the one who initially introduced me to the music and dancing from the original movie. Since seeing the film I have had the soundtrack on repeat at both my home and my work.

The casting was exceptional. I especially loved Sandy, played by Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars). I was a little worried because the only thing I know about Janel is that she is the “psycho” from her prior TV gig but I was happily surprised by how sweet she was on stage and how well she portrayed Sandra D.

I have to say the personalities of the characters were spot on. I was reminded so much of the original movie but enjoyed that it was slightly modernized.

Overall I had an exceptional time and would definitely recommend any Grease fans or self-proclaimed Grease junkies to purchase tickets and see the show before it ends on December 10.