With a cast of energetic actors, this non-stop homage to ‘50s idealism and the emerging rebelliousness of youth, Grease introduces some new Players talent. As preppy Patty Simcox Kate Simpson is perfection. Kate Petrie is also fabulous as Frenchie, the naive beauty school dropout. 

Another standout is Cherie Kershaw in the role of Jan, the overeating jokester of the Pink Ladies. She delivers her lines with perfect comic timing and steals a number of scenes. 

One of the many pleasing aspects of the show is the well executed set. Scene changes are kept short through clever use of fold out scenery for the Burger Palace and Frenchie’s apartment. 

An unexpected highlight is the arrival of Kenickie’s car. It is a super surprise and terrific lead-in to one of the most loved songs from the show – Greased Lightning. One audience member was moved to stand up and do the choreography with the cast.

Stepping out from behind his glasses and beard is Stewart Heddles (Kenickie), who, along with director Hamish Keddie, teaches at Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus. Despite being a music teacher, this is Heddles’ first musical role, but he does well as the second-in-command of the T Birds.

Simone Berry recently wowed audiences as Ulla in The Producers, and we see her vocal talent shine through once more when she belts our There are Worse Things I Could Do, in the role of the hard-edged Rizzo. Teen Angel David Stephens is also a winner as he magically appears to sing Beauty School Dropout. It’s a great scene with the female ensemble and some leads making up a heavenly chorus. Stephens is also the production’s vocal director.

Matthew Symons made his mark in The Producers as the frivolously gay Carmen Ghia and has to do a complete back-flip as Danny Zuko. It’s a tall ask, but he certainly reveals his singing chops with the drive-in movie show stopper Sandy. Speaking of Sandy, Emily Holley plays her role well, and does a wonderful job of Hopelessly Devoted to You. However, I would have liked a bit more chemistry between the two leads, and more made of the stamp on her cigarette by Sandy before You’re the One that I Want duet. 

But apart from some accents going astray and a couple of hiccups, night two of the show was great.

We Go Together is a top showcase of the choreography by Claire Michelle and the wonderful band under super-talented 17-year-old musical director Lindsay Kaul. Congrats to Hamish Keddie and his team, including costume and makeup which are spot on. Book early as houses have been full.