The Australian best-selling singer will be stepping into the production for a strictly limited period, starting by the end of June. Directed by by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the cast also includes Dan Partridge in the role of Danny and Olivia Moore as Sandy, in a brand new version that will play at the Dominion Theatre until October.
Tu turu turu tu turu turu tu turu turu tu! It’s Jason Donovan and he’s come back like a dinga da dinga dong. And that’s as much of a lyricist as I’m gonna get in this post. But nobody can blame the excitement for the return of the Australian singer to the London stage – especially when we’re talking about a brand new production of one the best-known musicals in the world! Grease, the striking 70s show, is reinstalling the grease lightining on the West End’s summer nights. And for a limited period, it will be literally heaven on earth with the appearance of the best-selling soloist.
“As a lifelong fan of the show, I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Grease in the role of Teen Angel at the Dominion Theatre for 6 weeks this year”, says Donovan. “While I may have missed the boat on playing Danny, the Teen Angel seemed like the perfect fit. I especially look forward to those few performances I get to perform with Peter Andre as Vince Fontaine. Who would have thought two Aussie’s would take to the West End in such a well-loved musical, singing the most iconic songs? Roll on June”.
Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the cast also includes Dan Partridge (Link Larkin in Hairspray UK tour & Pepper in MAMMA MIA! West End) in the role of Danny and Olivia Moore (Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre & Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket) as Sandy, as well as Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet at Shaftesbury Theatre) as Rizzo, Paul French (Grease UK tour) as Kenickie, Noah Harrison (Arts Educational School graduate) as Roger, Mary Moore (Little Women at Park Theatre) as Jan, Jake Reynolds (professional debut) as Doody and Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (A Chorus Line at Curve) as Marty. An audience favourite, the show had its world premiere in Chicago back in 1971 and transferred to Broadway in the following year. With an original eight-year, the cast featured by then little-known actors such as Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta, while Richard Gere started as a understudy in the first London production.
Grease will be performed at the Dominion Theatre from May 3rd to October 29th, while Donovan’s first appearance will take place on Wednesday 29 June. Patrons are kindly advised to check the website for his performance schedule. Tickets are available on the following link.
First Night Magazine 