It’s Got Groove- It’s Got Feeling: Hornsby’s Grease Delivers Nostalgia and Spark.
When: 9 May – Sunday 18 May 2025
There’s no denying the infectious charm and youthful energy of Grease, and Hornsby Musical Society captures that in spades with this exuberant and crowd-pleasing production. From the moment the bleachers roll on and the T-Birds swagger into view, the cast exudes a vibrant energy that captures the spirit of the 1950s — with cheerleaders, jocks, nerds, and pink ladies filling the stage in joyful, high-octane chaos.
“Though the production tones down some of the racier elements, it retains Grease’s cheeky flavour.”
This production doesn’t aim to replicate the film. Instead, under the debut direction of Samuel Dobb and Lachlan Alexander Ceravolo as musical director, it embraces its stage roots, offering a slightly different structure and song order than fans of the movie might expect. Iconic moments are reimagined or repositioned, and though some crowd-favourite scenes are missing or altered, the result is a frenetic exuberance without losing the essence of Grease’s charm. It’s a reminder that Grease was a stage musical first, and Hornsby’s team brings it to life on its own terms.
The ensemble and crowd scenes are a major strength. Choreographer Lauren Oxenham with Dance Captains Skye Roberts and Ethan Beattie ensure the choreography is tight, well-staged, and brimming with personality. With bleachers on wheels, and a lighting design that transitions the space from schoolyard to dance hall, the large cast creates dynamic stage pictures that are as enjoyable to watch as they are to perform. However, with the band on stage, the balance between the singers, the music, and the microphones was occasionally off, causing some lyrics and lines to get lost due to volume fluctuations.
I saw the Alternate Cast B performance, which featured leads Kate Addison as Sandy, Tom Horlin as Danny, and Daisy Armfield as Rizzo. All three gave solid performances, with each bringing their own strengths to the roles. Audiences attending on alternate nights may instead see Caitlin Parr as Sandy, Samuel Byres as Danny, and Maddie Seddon as Rizzo in Cast A.
Tom Horlin brought an infectious energy to Danny, injecting the role with a lively spark. However, at times, his enthusiasm outshone the character’s more subtle, cool moments. Kate Addison’s Sandy was sweet and earnest, delivering “Hopelessly Devoted to You” with heartfelt emotion, though her vocals sometimes had to compete with the band. She truly came into her own in “You’re the One That I Want,” strutting confidently in tight pants and a leather jacket, fully embracing her transformation into the iconic new Sandy. As a couple, Addison and Horlin brought a youthful glow to their dynamic.
Armfield’s Rizzo gave us a standout “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” full of controlled emotion and vocal strength. Olivia Enright as Marty delivered an “Oh, Freddy, My Love” that was pure doo-wop delight, her vocals full of nostalgic flair. Lovely harmonies from Ruby Crothers as Frenchie and Sarah Paull as Jan added richness to the number, showcasing the trio’s vocal blend. The choreography was playful, with smooth coordination and plenty of energy.
” Beauty School Dropout” is a tongue-in-cheek, full-camp highlight, with Teen Angel, Tim Walsh clearly relishing his moment in sequins surrounded by high heels, feathers, and curlers. Let’s just say—there are some ensemble men who look great in pantyhose. It’s a gloriously over-the-top number that has the audience laughing, and you get the sense he’s been waiting his whole life to belt it out. “Born to Hand Jive” is another showstopper, with its choreographed chaos of couples, tricks, and ensemble work.
Though the production tones down some of the racier elements, it doesn’t feel overly censored. Rather, it feels more like a deliberate softening — retaining Grease’s cheeky flavour without tipping into discomfort. There’s still plenty of innuendo and attitude, but it’s played for fun and warmth rather than shock. The cast leans into the comedy with gusto, getting big laughs from the crowd.
Even if you’re not a die-hard Grease fan, make sure you grab a program. Styled like a Rydell High class of 1959 Yearbook, it’s packed with character profiles, backstage secrets, and just the right amount of juice to keep you entertained at interval.
This is a show where everyone in the room — onstage or in the audience — knows the songs and actions. Whether you’ve heard them at weddings, parties, or late-night karaoke, Grease hits those nostalgic notes hard. Hornsby Musical Society gives the audience exactly what they came for: a night of singing along, tapping toes, and grinning from ear to ear.
See https://hornsbymusicalsociety.com.au/ for tickets and details
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Photo Credit: Stefanie Roche Dobb – SRD Photography