A young cast of Launceston College students are about to breathe new life into the worldwide, fan-favourite musical Grease.
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While the production features all the familiar songs such as Greased Lightning and You're the One That I Want, the audience could expect a couple of twists in this modern-day take.
Angus Purtell and Chelsea Dean, who will take centre stage as Danny and Sandy, said don't expect to see the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John versions of their characters.
"Sandy's a bit of a pushover and doesn't have an opinion ... but our version she's the opposite. She knows her worth, she has her values and is protective of herself," Chelsea said.
The musical will tackle issues of gender inequality and toxic masculinity.
"We are in 2021, we have to call out that stuff," she said. Angus agreed.
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He said Danny is a problematic character.
"We are trying to stay true to that, but calling it out," he said. "His behaviour hasn't changed, but how the other characters react to that has. Hopefully we can frame Danny in a different light."
Director Cheyne Mitchell said it was wonderful to work with young adults who want to be better and bring problematic musicals like Grease into the 21st century for the new generation.
"The thing about students these days is ... they are more socially aware and much more informed. When we said we were updating the context around Grease, they were incredibly excited," he said.
The Launceston College production will show at the Princess Theatre from today until August 7. Tickets can be purchased on the theatre's website.
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