Grease is once again the word in Melbourne, with the revamped musical back before Australian audiences for the first time in a decade.
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Young stars Annelise Hall and Joseph Spanti take on the lead roles of Sandy and Danny, while legends Patti Newton, Marcia Hines and Jay Laga'aia bring their experience to the production.
The story of Rydell High has been a fan-favourite since the 1978 film hit cinemas but the Australian theatre production has been revamped for the modern viewer.
"It's important for us to bring it into a 2024 lens and see how the audience will see it in this day and age," Mackenzie Dunn, who plays Rizzo, told reporters on Tuesday.
"Our relationship, as Sandy and Rizzo, is much more about sisterhood than it is about competition, which is something that we've enjoyed bringing to this production."
There is also fresher costuming and set design, as well as new orchestration that gives the show a rock-concert feel.
The memory of Olivia Newton-John is also in the minds of the cast, with it being the first Grease production in Australia since she died in August 2022.
Starting the show's run in Melbourne holds particular significance for Hall, with Newton-John growing up and opening her cancer wellness centre in the city.
"This year, being able to do the Walk for Wellness, getting to sing there and going to the hospital meeting some of the patients - it's all been very inspiring and special," Hall said.
"It's made me think about why we do this and how we can really have an impact on people's lives.
"So you know, it's big shoes to fill but I'm excited to bring my own little flavour to the role."
Grease is playing at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne, before heading to Sydney from March 24 and Perth from June 30.
Australian Associated Press
