Grease Is The Word

Of course, when I first heard that Grease was coming to town, I was completedly indifferent, as I had seen a production in Melbourne before that was err.... put it this way, it gives some of our local crap a run for its money. (eg the recent Pygmalion, etc). But when the members of the distinguished Cheese Platter mooted the idea, my heart kinda fluttered a little, because, to get a "date" with these people is almost as impossible as meeting John Travolta or Olivia. So, the idea of spending an evening with them and others, did seem like a pleasant alternative to Thursday night shopping in Tesco. And with that affirmative answer, in retrospect, I see the wings on my dollar notes flapping.

After blowing RM170 on tickets, dinner had to be a semi spartan affair, in the KLCC food courts. I usually enter KLCC from the Lorong Kuda end, and know exactly where to park and which escalator to take, when I go for the MPO. This time, because I was running late, I took the nearest entrance, which was off Jln P.Ramlee, and I must have spent 10 minutes going around the deepest basement looking for a familiar spot. Of course, what I didn't realise was that I usually parked on a different level, so nothing looked familiar. Anyway, despite being almost last at the food court, I finished my food first, as I was ravenously hungry.

The anticipation built up as we traipsed through the underpass in KLCC leading towards the KL Convention Centre. I discoverd that "Queen of Sorr" is soooo easily embarrased. Just do a jig or sing to her in public and she'll flee you like you have the bubonic plague. It was with great delight, therefore, to embarrass her by suddenly bursting into song and dance in that KLCC underpass. The others, namely Duke Onesto, KO3, Princess Pariah, Principessa Oliva, Lady Gray watched in mild amusement as the Queen turned a darker shade of scarlet.

The foyer area of the Plenary hall was Arctic conditions, I half expected so see some escaped penguins from neighbouring Aquaria. Anyway, we trooped in, after numerous loo breaks, to our seats which were like 3 kms from the stage. The plenary hall is humoungous. Not a suitable venue for musicals, because its too huge.

Anyway, from the start, the speakers were experiencing some kind of delay, ie, front speakers and rear speakers not in sync, which was terrible, for it resulted in some kinda shockingly annoying echo. Didn't help when the broads came on in their high pitched falsettos. Lady Gray who was sitting next to me was equally irritated. I had to resist the urge to stand up midway and go and report the matter. But fortunately, miraculously, almost, toward the end of THOSE MAGIC CHANGES, they rectified the mike. (I think it was then). Having ruined the first 20 minutes, you'd have expected a marked improvement. Mooning was good. Freddy My Love was good. Greased Lightning was crap. Completely so no oooomph. Might be suitable for a 80s disco. (as in a disco for 80 year olds). The first half was only an hour. We spent the entire intermission bitching about how bad it was. KO3 even fell asleep, wasting a good RM85.

But the worse was yet to come. The 2nd half did nothing to redeem itself, except for Beauty School Drop Out, which was a new take, coz the teen angel was sung by this black woman, gospel style, which was excellent. The highlight of the entire show. Hopeless Devoted to you was HOPELESS. One of my favourite songs, It's Raining On Prom Night, wasn't featured. Rizzo's There Are Worse Things I could Do, well, true, there were worse songs that were sung, so it wasnt the worst. The "I got chills, in my direction", was prophetic, as it sent chills down our spine. I am amazed at how bad the quality of singing was.

Well, if you are reading this, and are contemplating going for the musical, PERISH all thought. You will derive more entertainment with your money just by flapping it around in front of your face.

The stage at the Plenary Hall.

This is us posing for a groupie pic after the show. Forgot to do the thumbs down sign.


PS: I've started blogging about gym again on http://fatboybakesatgym.blogpsot.com