Few today are unfamiliar with the enduring global phenomenon that is Grease. A Tony-nominated Broadway musical, it tells the story of Danny, who hides his soft-hearted nature under a bad boy facade, and Sandy, a quintessential goody-two-shoes. The pair meet during their holidays and fall hopelessly in love, but must go their separate ways when the holiday ends. Things get interesting when Sandy turns up at Danny's high school, Rydell High, and the two meet again. The musical follows them as they try to rekindle their summer romance in the challenging high school environment, where reputation is everything and both protagonists feel the weight of peer pressure.

Although Grease has been revived for the stage many times, the version most are familiar with is that captured on film by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the roles of Sandy and Danny. "Everyone knows Newton-John's rendition of the role, so I feel like there are certain aspects of her interpretation that audiences will be expecting," shares Hannah Spiteri, who plays Sandy in this production. "However, I've also been working on finding some personal nuances in the role and I'm working hard not to copy the exact same characterisation, but rather explore a new version of Sandy."

Raphael Pace, meanwhile, is approaching the role of Danny from another angle, taking inspiration from another character played by John Travolta: Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever. "Grease was one of the very first musicals I had seen on DVD, so it is imprinted on my memory," he says. "But I also played Bobby C in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical Saturday Night Fever, and got to perform opposite the character of Tony Manero. So I blend some of that, with all the American teenage groove that lives in Danny Zuko."

Much like Sandy and Danny, Hannah and Raphael differ greatly from each other - and not just in the way they are each preparing for their roles in this musical. When asked what they thought of holiday romances, Hannah was pragmatic but hopeful. "I guess it's not impossible for a holiday fling to turn into something more serious, but logistically it's a little complicated," she says. "Personally, I can't relate to Sandy and Danny's situation, but I'm a firm believer that whatever's meant to be will find a way of working itself out."

"I have a new holiday romance every time, without fail. The only thing is that it's always one-sided - and made up - and I'm the only one that knows I'm in the relationship!" Raphael jokes. "I cannot really relate to Danny's character when it comes to this subject because we are two very different people, which makes it easier for me to play him. He's a dynamic character and even though he appears to be tough and self-obsessed, he's actually quite soft. I love that there are many layers to him that I can play with."

This musical is not only famous for having launched the career of Newton-John and confirmed Travolta as a Hollywood star, but also for its unforgettable songs. Hopelessly Devoted To You, which was even nominated for an Oscar, and Greased Lightnin' are just two of the most well-known hits from the musical, but Hannah's favourite song is less conventional. "Beauty School Dropout is the most mesmerising song ever!" she claims. "The incredible vocals, the costumes, the choreography - everything about it is great."

Raphael agrees that the mix of the various elements of the show makes it unmissable. "It's Grease, and the hype is very real! Everything, from the choreography and vocals to the acting and set, is overflowing with energy and passion - and we are expecting the same amount of energy from the audiences," he adds. "I'm so excited to be a part of this brilliant production, and everyone should be excited to witness it. It's going to be fun!"

Masquerade Malta and Teatru Manoel co-present Grease from 21-29 October. Tickets are available at www.teatrumanoel.mt, by email to [email protected] or by telephone on (+356) 2124 6389. To find out more about Masquerade Malta, visit www.masquerademalta.com.