Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...It feels like a standard, summer-stock show, replete with “Greased Lightnin’” and a diner rolling on, and people clearly enjoyed themselves. I didn’t think the leads were ideally cast, although they both had their moments; Schultheis’s vocal stylings are a bit more contemporary country than is traditionally the case with this part, but that mixes it up. Happily, there’s some fine character work to enjoy in this young cast"
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The cast and the production values at Drury Lane couldn’t be better. But a script that’s aged badly and a lack of character depth doesn’t make for great storytelling, despite superb choreography, killer vocals and vividly compelling visuals."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...Like most revivals, Drury Lane's incorporates the film songs "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Sandy," "You're the One That I Want" and the titular "Grease." Fans will also recognize choreography from the film, which Stancato recreates for the terrific Act Two opener "Shakin' at the High School Hop" and its companion "Born to Hand Jive." Propelled by conductor Christopher Sargent's rockin' sextet, Drury Lane's exuberant cast impresses."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This version, like most revivals these days, is an amalgam of the Broadway and movie versions, adding songs from the movie, including Barry Gibbs's rousing but idiotic anthem ("Grease is the way we are feeling"). But unlike many revivals, Stancato's production takes the show seriously, staying true to its original roots as reflected in a set that includes a cityscape of Chicago circa 1959. The show is, at its heart, a character-driven ensemble comedy, with two teen couples in the foreground (Danny and Sandy, and Kenickie and Rizzo), and a cast of comic supporting characters, each of whom eventually gets her or his turn in the spotlight. (In the movie, Danny and Sandy's romance dominates.)"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...The audience did hear great songs like Grease, Hopelessly Devoted, Beauty School Dropout, Grease Lighting, and the hand Jive song. And the Costume, Hair & Wig, and Scenic Design by Rachel Boylan, Emily Young, and Jeff Kmiec were amazing and period correct. Grease does have some entertaining moments but needs work to have that grease-lighting appeal."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Again, this is NOT the film and it is not the original production in its infancy stage. It s a solid production that brings you back to a time when our lives were far simpler and our worries far less. We had no social media! We did have clubs and freinds, and I think we valued those we called freinds a lot more than we see today."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This popular musical, which probably isn’t new to most theatergoers, is a high-octane hit. It’s energetic, delightfully entertaining and features many relatively new, gifted actor/singer/dancers. In addition to being so impressive, the musical encourages us to reminisce about our younger years in high school, or perhaps to simply recall the popular 1978 movie. No matter how many times audiences enjoy this timeless musical, theatergoers will still find they are “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...What Stancato gets absolutely right is the camaraderie, most of which is in the casting. His is an ensemble you feel like you’d want to spend time with—even have their backs when they’re in a jam—even as they’re casually insulting you. And while Jake DiMaggio Lopez and Emily Schultheis are an appealing Danny and Sandy, ably riding the waves between Jacobs and Casey’s wise-ass pastiches and the movie’s more earnest pastiches for my money, Alina Taber as Pink Lady Rizzo walks off with the show in her pocket of her pedal pushers. The American musical theatre doesn’t lack for snarkers with secret hearts of gold, but Taber’s performance certainly shows Rizzo’s application for the patron saint’s slot is in order."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...When all you have ever seen are several high school productions and the movie, seeing a professional Equity production of Grease comes as both a reminder of its greatness and a revelation. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to see how some audience members celebrate nostalgia. Opening night at Drury Lane Theatre brought out the wannabe T-Birds and Pink Ladies-I saw a couple of post-retirement women who were clearly having a great time-as well as the usual cohort of elegantly dressed men, women, and non-binary people on display to take the journey back to 1959."
Life and Times - Recommended
"...Now playing at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, director/choreographer Paul Stancato’s vision of Grease is a powerhouse celebration of great music, dance, and fun. You’d have to be dead not to have a good time. And honestly, if there are spirits after death, they’d probably enjoy it too."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Michael McBride, the Music Director and Choreographer, describes Drury Lane's production as many elements pulled together from various previous versions, including the original Chicago story, Broadway stage, and the film starring John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John. McBride feels the musical score has songs that connect with people in various ways. His goal is to blow your socks off with 1950's style orchestration and vocal influences. He and Associate Director/Choreographer Felicia Finley do just that."
