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Grease
Vocal Score
182 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 20, 2025
I grew up on the northside of Chicago, where the two original authors of "Grease" also lived and attended the local high school on which this play is based (although way before my time). I have seen the movie and listened to the soundtrack, so I wanted to go back to the original and see what it was before Hollywood changed it for the masses.
So how was it? A little bit rawer, with the rough dialogue and references to sex, alcohol, rock and roll. But also a bit more innocent, with the "Burger Palace Boys", watching Mickey Mouse Club, and hanging out at the malt shop.
The story, as most of you will know, focuses on Danny and Sandy, who have a summer romance but then go back to their original lives. When it turns out Sandy is attending the same school as Danny, he realizes that his reputation prevents him from staying with Sandy. Through high school hijinks, eventually true love prevails. The end.
So how was it? A little bit rawer, with the rough dialogue and references to sex, alcohol, rock and roll. But also a bit more innocent, with the "Burger Palace Boys", watching Mickey Mouse Club, and hanging out at the malt shop.
The story, as most of you will know, focuses on Danny and Sandy, who have a summer romance but then go back to their original lives. When it turns out Sandy is attending the same school as Danny, he realizes that his reputation prevents him from staying with Sandy. Through high school hijinks, eventually true love prevails. The end.
May 19, 2009
Pocket Books published the original version of the show in Mass Market Paper, and it was this version that -- soome people I used to know -- followed to do a totally unauthorized performance back in '75. Hope the statute of limitations has run out!
Since then, the show was drastically altered in the transition to movie (and ruined, IMHO); worse, all subsequent revivals of the stage play have been rewritten to make the show more like the movie. Ugh! The original version has some guts, and lots more fun, and is the only version that should be read or performed.
Since then, the show was drastically altered in the transition to movie (and ruined, IMHO); worse, all subsequent revivals of the stage play have been rewritten to make the show more like the movie. Ugh! The original version has some guts, and lots more fun, and is the only version that should be read or performed.
March 19, 2012
I recently performed this play. It was very good story, however, I don't think it had a good moral for young girls. It teaches you that you must change your appearance to be liked by others. This play takes place in the 60's. It is about high-school greasers and pink ladies and a romance between two young lovers in Rydell Highschool. I recommend this book for entertainment and theatre lovers!!!
September 18, 2013
Basic Plot: Nice, normal Sandy changes schools then changes herself to fit in among the smoking, drinking, swearing greaser gangs of Rydell High.
Can you tell how I feel about this play? No? Well, then.
This play should not be performed by high schools. Period. Within the first 10 pages, there is already smoking, drinking, swearing, references to sex, etc. Now, am I a prude? NO. Generally speaking, the description I gave of the first 10 pages of this play is common fare for friendly gatherings of adults I spend time around (minus the smoking). My biggest problem with this play lies in the message it gives. Sandy is a successful student. There is no indicator that she is unhappy, beyond the fact that she wants a relationship with Danny, who acted like a respectable person when she first met him. She finds out he's in a gang, smokes, drinks, etc. and decides to change to be with him.
WTF????? IS THIS REALLY THE MESSAGE WE SHOULD SEND TO YOUNG PEOPLE?????
I know the statistics. Hell, I was young myself once (so my mother tells me). I know that sex and alcohol are part of life. Enjoyable parts of life, even. But why would we teach young people to change for another person? Especially when they are happy the way they are? Especially when the change leads to health risks, unwanted/unexpected pregnancy, and GANG ACTIVITY. ARGH.
This play is not a satire. It's not making fun of these things, and the fact that people love this play is making me froth at the mouth in a rabid rage. If you've seen the movie, by the by, it is significantly different in structure in the stage version, though the same craptastic message is still present.
I can't handle this choice of plays for my school's production this year. I am not happy. I'm sure the kids will have fun, and it will end up a good production, because that's what we do here, but I CANNOT approve of it. All because of the screwed-up message it advocates.
Can you tell how I feel about this play? No? Well, then.
This play should not be performed by high schools. Period. Within the first 10 pages, there is already smoking, drinking, swearing, references to sex, etc. Now, am I a prude? NO. Generally speaking, the description I gave of the first 10 pages of this play is common fare for friendly gatherings of adults I spend time around (minus the smoking). My biggest problem with this play lies in the message it gives. Sandy is a successful student. There is no indicator that she is unhappy, beyond the fact that she wants a relationship with Danny, who acted like a respectable person when she first met him. She finds out he's in a gang, smokes, drinks, etc. and decides to change to be with him.
WTF????? IS THIS REALLY THE MESSAGE WE SHOULD SEND TO YOUNG PEOPLE?????
I know the statistics. Hell, I was young myself once (so my mother tells me). I know that sex and alcohol are part of life. Enjoyable parts of life, even. But why would we teach young people to change for another person? Especially when they are happy the way they are? Especially when the change leads to health risks, unwanted/unexpected pregnancy, and GANG ACTIVITY. ARGH.
This play is not a satire. It's not making fun of these things, and the fact that people love this play is making me froth at the mouth in a rabid rage. If you've seen the movie, by the by, it is significantly different in structure in the stage version, though the same craptastic message is still present.
I can't handle this choice of plays for my school's production this year. I am not happy. I'm sure the kids will have fun, and it will end up a good production, because that's what we do here, but I CANNOT approve of it. All because of the screwed-up message it advocates.
May 21, 2017
Better than the film!
I read this with the original Broadway soundtrack on hand, which enhanced the experience.
The characters are raw, the dialog is hilarious and the story makes more sense. I really wish I could see this version live.
I found all of the characters endearing in how they go from trying to look tough/cool to just doing regular teenager stuff like watching TV together or encouraging their friend while he learns guitar. Sandy's "transformation" comes across more as her liberating herself (giving herself permission to do things on her own terms and not always follow the rules) as opposed to simply changing herself for a guy. All of the characters kind of start out with "labels", but consistently challenge those labels, and also each other. Rizzo's relationship to Sandy is particularly interesting. Jan and Roger are adorable.
And, of course there's drinking, swearing, sex, violence and references to bodily functions. But that just makes it feel more real. It's a fun romp.
I read this with the original Broadway soundtrack on hand, which enhanced the experience.
The characters are raw, the dialog is hilarious and the story makes more sense. I really wish I could see this version live.
I found all of the characters endearing in how they go from trying to look tough/cool to just doing regular teenager stuff like watching TV together or encouraging their friend while he learns guitar. Sandy's "transformation" comes across more as her liberating herself (giving herself permission to do things on her own terms and not always follow the rules) as opposed to simply changing herself for a guy. All of the characters kind of start out with "labels", but consistently challenge those labels, and also each other. Rizzo's relationship to Sandy is particularly interesting. Jan and Roger are adorable.
And, of course there's drinking, swearing, sex, violence and references to bodily functions. But that just makes it feel more real. It's a fun romp.
March 18, 2012
Grease is a classic story about what it was like to live through high school in the 1950s. Throughout the whole musical, Danny Zuko learns how to act in front of a girl he likes, but is different than him. Sandy, on the other hand, is just trying to fit in at a new school and make friends. Please read the script or go and rent the movie, you will enjoy it.
July 11, 2019
I mean what is there to say about Grease? It has an awful message and yet I love it.
For more on our favorite musicals tune in to this special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
For more on our favorite musicals tune in to this special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
July 3, 2024
Grease has few, if any, redeeming qualities.
September 28, 2020
This was the Broadway 1970s version of Grease if I'm not mistaken and I just didn't care for it. I love the music in both the stage and film versions of the story, but this version of Grease has a messy plot and immature characters (more so than today's stage versions and the movie). I did appreciate that the book included interesting staging, costume, and props notes, but I wouldn't read it again and I wouldn't watch this version of Grease on stage either.
January 18, 2022
I don’t know if this would be even possible, but I would do anything to see a production of Grease using this original script. I love the profanity in this version. It really helps get the point across that the story is not meant to sugarcoat the fifties, but rather to laugh at it. And you will laugh reading this script! It’s so fun
July 8, 2018
One of my all-time favorite musical books - the story holds up incredibly well and I believe it has earned the classification of 'timeless'. At one point or another, everyone can relate back to their old school memories, secret crushes, peer pressure, and good times with friends.
August 21, 2017
The movie is fantastic, but the play lacks any semblance of a coherent story. It just feels like a mesh of relatively unrelated songs that don't jell together into anything remotely substantive.
May 22, 2018
Performing this musical was sooo much fun! Had a blast doing the 'Hand Jive' and other musical numbers throughout! :D
June 22, 2018
2.5/5
Play book falls flat compared to the awesome movie adaption.
Play book falls flat compared to the awesome movie adaption.
February 15, 2021
Grease is interesting to say the least... like, its such a bad message but its just iconic enough that everyone agrees to ignore them
July 7, 2022
ultimate portrayal of the high school experience in america
September 16, 2022
4 stars
As beloved as the movie is it's a real shame that they cut so many of the original songs out. "Freddy, My Love" and "It's Raining On Prom Night" are great numbers.
As beloved as the movie is it's a real shame that they cut so many of the original songs out. "Freddy, My Love" and "It's Raining On Prom Night" are great numbers.
March 6, 2023
Some really gross sexism and racism but it’s a classic and the authors are great about letting revisions happen if you buy the show. I’m really excited to be playing Jan!
August 17, 2023
My two siblings were in this play and I read it because it was on my sister’s bed. Kinda cringe, no real plot, but love “Mooning” tho, so romantic
#justiceforEugene
#justiceforEugene
December 5, 2024
I LOVE GREASE I LOVE JAN
February 10, 2015
I'm currently preparing to perform this for my school play (I'm in the 12th grade).
Sandy: Oh I love you Danny
Danny: I love you too cupcake
Sandy: Let's never forget each other
(School starts in the fall)
Sandy: Oh my, Danny!! You go here omfg kiss me
Danny: (trying to be too cool) no girl. get away
Sandy: I hate you Danny Zuko
(Several pages later)
Rizzo: you're too much of a goody goody (sings there are worst things I could do)
Sandy: Fine I'll go change myself (cries into corner and stuff bra)
Danny: (to his friends) nah man I don't like that chick Sandy hahhaha
(Sandy shows up dressed all slutty and flirts with him) Sandy: Hey big boy
Danny: wow now that you've changed to be like the other girls, I now suddenly want to be with you. weird.
Sanny: love ya *winks*
Everyone: Let's call her " Big D!" (that actually happened wtf)
Sandy and Danny both sing and the curtains close
Honestly I've always loved Grease. it's super funny and silly. But I hate the message of "if you want that boy, you better turn into a slut." Like that's not cool.
Sandy: Oh I love you Danny
Danny: I love you too cupcake
Sandy: Let's never forget each other
(School starts in the fall)
Sandy: Oh my, Danny!! You go here omfg kiss me
Danny: (trying to be too cool) no girl. get away
Sandy: I hate you Danny Zuko
(Several pages later)
Rizzo: you're too much of a goody goody (sings there are worst things I could do)
Sandy: Fine I'll go change myself (cries into corner and stuff bra)
Danny: (to his friends) nah man I don't like that chick Sandy hahhaha
(Sandy shows up dressed all slutty and flirts with him) Sandy: Hey big boy
Danny: wow now that you've changed to be like the other girls, I now suddenly want to be with you. weird.
Sanny: love ya *winks*
Everyone: Let's call her " Big D!" (that actually happened wtf)
Sandy and Danny both sing and the curtains close
Honestly I've always loved Grease. it's super funny and silly. But I hate the message of "if you want that boy, you better turn into a slut." Like that's not cool.
February 3, 2016
At a youthful-looking 26, I've got about 14-15 more years to be in "Grease" before I'm too late to play a teenager. "Grease" onstage is certainly not "Grease" on film- it's sloppier, rougher, louder and more uncouth. This is sometimes good (the raunchier, less PC humor can be quite funny), and sometimes bad (early songs "All Choked Up" and "Alma Mater" aren't as good as slicker but more memorable "You're the One that I Want" and "Sandy.") These classic tunes are the real reason this is an American classic, not anything in the script. Still, there are worse things you could do than see the show or read it yourself.
February 5, 2014
Currently preforming this show at my high school (I have the role of Roger) and, while the experience is great, the show it's self is definitely not my favorite. Maybe I'm just missing the point of it all but there is no message to be derived unless you consider "change who you are to fit in because the real you is dumb" is a good message.
April 27, 2025
🖊 My review: The story has a destructive message of “change yourself for the worse so that the boy you like gives you the attention you crave.” The movie version? I like the costumes.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
🎥 Media form: 1978 movie version with Joan Blondell, Eve Arden, John Travolta, and Olivia Newton-John.
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
🎥 Media form: 1978 movie version with Joan Blondell, Eve Arden, John Travolta, and Olivia Newton-John.
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
April 2, 2012
This is a very heartwarming story about two teenagers, Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, that had a romantic summer fling. When Sandy comes to Danny's school, Danny is not sure how he can balance the way he treats her in front of his friends, and the way he should treat her.
July 23, 2014
This play will always hold a special place in my heart. It is ridiculous and funny and having been in it was a real treat. No one will ever be able to convince me that it is anything else.
August 8, 2025
Pretty good music with a really stupid story.
October 28, 2014
I am performing this for the second time live on stage. Still feels like the first!!!!!
April 29, 2017
Scott Miller brought me here. In its original format, Grease is vulgar and honest and fun. Paired with the original cast recording (on vinyl, I'm that person) this is required reading for musical theatre fans as a demonstration of how the decades (and a bad film version) can sanitise all the grit out of what was a goofy, sardonic look at fifties teenage culture. Maybe you don't like your Sandy Dumbrowski saying 'Nah, fuck it', but I sure do.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews