SALT LAKE CITY — The Off Broadway Theater Company successfully brought music, myth, and mayhem to their new location at Alliance Theater in Trolley Square with their opening night performance of Greece is the Word. Set in the world of ancient Greece, the parody of Grease the Musical cleverly blended the notalgia of the classic 70s hit with mythology and wit through hysterical improv, fantastic performances, and creative design. If looking for an evening packed with laughs, high-energy antics, and an enjoyable escape from the week, this was the perfect way to spend a Friday night in Salt Lake City.
Jill Stark’s directing shined throughout the show with clever use of her choreography to add to the comedy and overall joy on stage. While improvisation provided some laughs, Stark’s use of tableau, dance moves reminiscent of iconic Grease moments, and perfect casting transformed the production into a hysterical, high-energy blend of ancient myth and nostalgic flair. Stark’s work was complemented by the rest of the team who contributed to the production. Eric R. Jensen and Emily Mouritsen were creative with their over-the-top props—like a sundial watch that doubled as a humorous timepiece and a disc protruding from a character’s head. Paired with exaggerated performances, every part of the show was designed to elicit laughs and entertain.
Kayla Barlow’s semi-British accent was random, but castmates used it to their advantage for extra laughs, and her vocals more than made up for it. She was able to project through the theater while remaining sweet and Sandy-esque. Austinn and Jensen stole the show with their depictions of Eugean and Zeus, respectively. They were spot-on with comedic timing, facial expressions, and overall presence on stage. Hunter Smith brought out the playful side of Dino while paying homage to Danny Zuko, but Matt David’s K’nicklaus was the highlight of the ancient-world T-Bird gang with his combination of charm and humor. He made the most of a wardrobe malfunction during the climactic “drag race”. He managed to gallop on his stick-horse version of a chariot while losing his helmet multiple times and working it all into his jokes, leading to a charismatic spin on what could have been a disappointing mishap.
In addition to the strong performances, the technical aspects of the show were surprisingly impressive for a small theater production. The set design, courtesy of Jensen and Mouritsen, was one of the most delightful surprises of the night. Every scene was infused with clever design elements—horses, chariots, and Greek architecture were creatively incorporated into the space. The sets were detailed and visually striking, giving the production an air of authenticity despite the absurdity of the premise. The use of lighting and sound by Chase Arnold further enhanced the atmosphere, with light effects adding sparkle during the number “Drama School Dropout” and perfectly timed sound cues amplifying moments of surprise and comedy.
One of the more subtle but important details was how the costumes, designed to reflect the characters’ Grease counterparts while staying true to an ancient Greek setting, tied everything together. Though the quality of the costumes varied slightly, the details—like the sneakers and crew-cut socks or the strategic color choices—helped capture the retro energy of Grease. There was a special attention to detail with the character of Frenchious, whose dress was a spot-on recreation of Frenchie’s iconic look, only with a Greek twist. This attention to costume design showed a commitment to honoring both the original musical and the mythology it was drawing from.
Though not a part of the production itself, the culture of the experience is worth a mention. While the location is somewhat surprising, and the company is still finding their way in the new space, joy, positivity, and comradery filled the theater. Stark helped audience members find their seats, guiding them to the online playbill, and welcomed friends and strangers alike. Every staff member was kind and welcoming, and there was a clear sense of belonging and comfort that made the experience even better. It was as if we were all in a high school theater class with our favorite teacher and best friends to keep us company. Like many comedy shows, there was audience participation and interaction between the spectators and cast members. Be prepared to take part in the fun, but take comfort in knowing that the pressure was low thanks to the welcoming atmosphere.
While some elements of the show were undeniably campy, and the feel was more casual than anything, that was part of the charm. The production’s willingness to embrace its own ridiculousness allowed for a sense of fun that permeated the evening. It was a playful and lighthearted night that felt like a much-needed break from the more serious offerings found elsewhere.
Greece is the Word at the Alliance Theater is absolutely worth seeing for anyone in Salt Lake City looking for an evening of fun and laughter. With its clever direction, impressive cast, and fantastic design elements, the show successfully combines the beloved elements of Grease with the wackiness of ancient Greece. The chemistry between the performers, the creative set design, and the hilarious moments that emerged from improv and physical comedy made for a performance that was both entertaining and endearing. Whether you’re a fan of Grease, embracing your thespian roots, or just looking for a good time, the word is out about OBT’s show.