Hi, Fellow and Fellowette Greasers (2),

I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening... no, early morning this
morning beginning at Midnight. I went to a special presentation of
Grease 2 with a live ensemble of actors and actresses doing a Rocky
Horror Picture Show presentation of the remarkable film.

It was at The NuArt Cinema in West Hollywood (L.A.) on Santa Monica
Blvd. I had been reluctant to go because I do not like to drive (I'm
65) and it was beginning at Midnight in an area where I was
unfamiliar with the parking and neighborhood.

I am so glad I went. There were audience members dressed up like Pink
Ladies and T-Birds and various 60s wardrobe and prop accessories.
About 300 people were there, I think. The theatre had more people in
attendance than when I first saw the film in 1982 on it's opening day
in Hollywood. The movie flopped at the box office but it was a hit
last night (this AM). Many young people and every ethnicity and age
range was represented.

Before they showed the movie there was a bit of a comedic explanation
of what was to happen. Two of the original cast members were in the
audience. Chris McDonald (Goose) and myself. I was the Bowl-o-Rama
manager in the movie.

I talked with many of the movie-goers before and after the show. I
was impressed with young high school age guys and gals who knew the
movie word by word and scene by scene. Not only did they know Grease
2, but they knew who Dr. Demento was and they were familiar with the
history of Mel Brooks and Star Wars and very classic cult films of
every type.

Before the movie there were 3 previews of coming attractions.
Meatballs with Bill Murray, The Party with Peter Sellers and, yes...
Grease 2's trailer. Big applause for each. The movie began and the
live actors were in the spotlight on stage throughout doing lip sync
to every word in the film. Each dance number was recreated in a
delightful parody that captured the feel of the era. The costumes
were very closely matched and I was amazed at the expense they had
put into the production. For motorcycles the actors used bicycles and
Razor skooters. All sorts of props were employed including ballons
for basketballs and bowling balls and smoke and musical instruments,
etc.

I recommend putting a show on like this in your hometown if it is big
enough to get several dozen participants to play the parts. I should
mention that many in the audience were mouthing the words as they
were spoken on screen. This was a one time event as far as I know. If
you are going to be in L.A. sometime the group does a show every
Friday at Midnight of some movie and they do Rocky Horror Picture
Show on Saturday. Don't go without calling the theatre first to check
the schedule. Go to http://www.sinsotheflesh.com (warning some adult
material but no nudity) for info on the actor's group.

Maybe they will do Grease 2 again someday. It was very successful. I
am going to get some sleep. I am so tired...

Good luck to all you T-Birds and Pink Ladies and Mrs. McGee,

Tom Willett