Episode 5: Grease is the Word

One day, as I was cruising through my new town, I saw a sign.

Um, who loves Grease? 

Me!!!!!!  I decided to ask my friend Kasia to go see this with me.  She is pregnant with her first child, and I thought a girls' night out would be fun for us.  I was actually shy (It happens even to me!) and did not ask her myself.  Michael told her I was interested and then told me she was interested.  Then we passed a note during math class and set it up.

Just my luck, she got put on hospital bed rest the week of the show.  I mean, how rude of her to try to keep her unborn child healthy and not go out with me.  But, since a babysitter was already arranged, I decided to go.  Yes, by myself.  No, Michael did not jump at the chance to be my date (And boy, did he miss out on some VERY slutty costumes.  Seriously, during the sleepover scene I almost took a phone pic to send him.).

Did I mention the show would be in Polish?  Did I mention I never thought of that when I got the idea to go?  Did I tell you having twins makes me a little dumb sometimes?

Despite this fact and the fact that my friend abandoned me because some doctor told her to, I was excited to have a night out and not have to try to get the rowdy kids put to bed.  I took my Kindle in my purse in case the show was awful.  I figured I could leave at intermission (which I keep wanting to call half-time because it's been a while since I've seen legitimate theater) and head to a bar nearby to read and eat.

I was able to walk to the theater.  I felt pretty hip doing this because I've seen a lot of movies with cool chicks living in the city.  As I got closer, I saw lots of people arriving and felt excited.  I like being part of a crowd.  There were a few school groups (high school aged) there and some families as well as the expected couples and girls' groups.  I had a glass of wine in the lobby beforehand and took my seat when the bell rang.

I've not seen the Grease musical before, just the movie version.  So, I have no idea if this show was true to the original or not.  I do know that I really liked it though!

The first song was of course "Grease," and the only word in English was 'grease'.  But, I still found myself dancing in my seat and tapping my toes.  I was able to follow along well even though the plot was a bit different from the movie version.  The large group numbers were great.  The dancing in those was well-done and well-choreographed, and the music was on-key.  They were super fun!  (Am I 12?)

The main characters from the movie, Danny and Sandy, were not the best singers, dancers, or even the best looking in this musical version.  But that's okay, because the three T-Birds that I consider background in the movie were great!  Good singers and pretty cute.  This Polish Sandy was NOT good at cry-singing.  But really?  Is anyone?  In any language?  To be honest, in the musical, Rizzo was the star. 

I was very proud of myself for going, and pleased that it turned out to be a great show.  I stayed for the whole thing and got to see a super-dance-party encore.  The whole audience was digging it--clapping and standing up.  I learned the Polish word for hooker: 'prostytutka'.  I also think I heard the word 'vagina' twice, but I am probably wrong.  I thought the kids in the audience were so well-behaved. (Some boys even started the standing ovation at the end.  So cute.)  I walked home, and it was still light out at 9:30.  So cool.  I think this was like seeing an opera.  I did not know the language, but I am familiar with the story and songs, so it was a nice night out.  (Who am I kidding?  I know the movie by heart.)


I am disappointed in only one thing.  The musical did not answer my question.  Why does Sandy go slutty?  Seriously!?!?!??  Why was that better?  Besides fitting in with the mean kids?  I don't get it.