Greece meets Grease in a theatrical hybrid

Burlesque and musical theatre see a happy mash-up in Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society's Greece Does Grease, in what actor/singer Bazil Graham says is an easy going and fun hybrid that is sure to entertain.

With perhaps the mistaken belief that burlesque is strictly the realm of women, Graham (pictured right) refers to his role and that of the other male actor in the show as ‘boylesque’.  There primarily as support, that doesn’t mean though that he and the other male member of the cast don’t also get to have a little naughty fun of their own.

“While we are there primarily to support the women, we do get to be involved in our own strip tease,” explained Graham.  “It’s just not as choreographed as the women’s part.“  And while the women strip down to their stockings, burlesque shorts and tassels, the boys strip down to what Graham calls his “booty shorts”.

For Graham however, the primary draw to being part of a show like this has more to do with what’s going on inside than any external titillation that the genre might suggest.  “Burlesque allows people of all shapes and sizes to explore their own artistic impression inside,” said Graham.  “It has an inner sex appeal; an inner beauty that I thought was really cool.”

Based on a concept from local burlesque maven Melody Mangler, Graham tells us the idea of using the musicals Grease and Grease 2 as a basis for a parody was one that the group had been thinking about for some time.  “The idea to mix it with Greek mythology just seemed like a natural fit”.

Graham’s first foray into this particular theatre style, he appears to be embracing it completely, including coming up with his own burlesque stage name.

“Every member of a burlesque troupe has a pseudonym because you become another character within the show.  You get to create your own style with your name,” explained Graham.  “I chose David Tasslesoff as a reference to the fact the women wear tassels and the men don’t.  And, with David Hasselhoff in the news so much lately it just seemed like a great fit for me.”

Ultimately for Graham, the unlikely hybrid of Greece Does Grease is simply easy-going fun.  “It is a great way to socialize and to get others involved.  Nothing is too slapstick in burlesque with its vaudeville style and makes for some light-hearted entertainment.”

Greece Does Grease
Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island
7-10 & 13-16 October 2010

From the co-creators of last year’s smash, SHINE: A Burlesque Musical, comes Greece Does Grease an epic, mainstage burlesque show at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island this October. Greece Does Grease tells the ancient story of the seasons through parodies of the music of Grease and Grease 2. Tickets are $23 (plus service charges) available online or $30 at the door.