REVIEW: GREASE Featuring Taylor Hicks Takes the Stage at the Fox Theatre

Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's Grease is one of my favorite shows, and I've seen several different versions over the last few years. Having seen the movie when I was a teenager, I'd always preferred productions that included songs from the film. But, ever since I saw New Line Theatre's raw, original take, I've become something of a purist. I still enjoy the inclusion of John Farrar and Barry Gibb's tunes, but I do think the show ends up watered down in the process. So, I was curious as to how the touring company, which features former American Idol contestant Taylor Hicks in the Teen Angel role, would play. It's definitely a mixed bag, and opening night was a bit flat and lifeless in spots, but the audience seemed to find plenty to cheer about just the same.

Danny Zuko meets Sandy Dumbrowski over summer vacation, away from the prying eyes and peer pressure of his mostly benign gang, the T-Birds. The romance ends as fall arrives and school starts up again. But, unbeknownst to Danny, Sandy has transferred to his school, Rydell High. And, when the pair meets up again, he gives her the cold shoulder rather than risk looking less than cool in front of his friends. Will Danny straighten up and suffer through the jeers of his friends in order to follow his heart? And, can Sandy summon up her own inner delinquent in time to make a love connection?

Ace Young (another American Idol contestant) is OK as Danny, but he seems to be holding back, never fully engaging, and giving a perfunctory performance in the process. He does handle his singing chores well, with a particularly nice rendition of "Sandy". Lauren Ashley Zakrin fares better, but the pair really displays little chemistry on stage. Zakrin seems to be having the most fun during her transformation at the end, as the couple duet on "You're the One That I Want".

The supporting cast is solid for the most part, and Kelly Felthous and Kate Morgan Chadwick make especially good impressions as Pink Ladies Marty and Frenchy, respectively. Will Blum stands out among the T-Birds as Roger, whose fondness for baring his buttocks is immortalized in song with The catchy tune "Moonin'". Playwright/Composer Jim Jacobs makes a cameo appearance during the drive-in scene, providing the voice of the scientist in the horror movie that's being screened. Dominic Fortuna also does a nice job as DJ Vince Fontaine, and he warmed up the crowd by crooning a selection of oldies but goodies prior to the curtain rising.

Taylor Hicks disappoints as the Teen Angel, toning down his naturally soulful voice to suit the material. His appearance did bring forth a lively response from the audience, but a decision to showcase the singer with a solo spot after the curtain call took attention away from the other performers, and seemed ill conceived to me. I realize there's probably a strong contingent that's only at the show because of him, but it pulls focus inappropriately.

Kathleen Marshall's direction and choreography are a tad lackluster, and even though the show is flashy and mostly well cast, it never really takes off like it should. Derek McLane's scenic design nicely captures the various locations with colorful backdrops and set pieces, working well in tandem with Kenneth Posner's lighting scheme.

This production of Grease will certainly attract fans of Hicks, and there are a few splendid moments to be found here and there, but the show never makes up its mind whether to be family-friendly or true to its source material, providing substitutes for certain raunchy language elements while retaining others. I suspect that some of the kids in attendance were probably surprised at some of the adult content, and I imagine their parents may have been too.

Grease continues through January 24, 2010 at the Fox Theatre.