You're the One that I Want: Our Reaction to Grease: Live

Last weekend, Fox aired a live performance of Grease with cast members such as Aaron Tveit, Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Keke Palmer. The performance incorporated songs from the original stage musical, the 1978 film, and additional, new songs. It was performed on twenty-one sets across two sound stages and the outdoor backlot of Warner Bros. Studios. (This gave cast members only a few minutes to travel from set to set while changing costume during commercial breaks.) A three-hour special, Grease: Live was quite the show with over twelve million viewers.

Here's what we thought of Grease: Live.

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Bethany Baldwin

I've never been a fan of Grease. I wasn't even familiar with the story until I saw a friend in a high school production when I was fifteen. I always found it to be crude, and I disliked the ending. But this is about Grease: Live.

The story was mostly the same. As for the performances... I personally found them to be wonderful. Aaron Tveit is who drew me to the production in the first place. He's already a Broadway and film veteran and a great performer. He acted and danced perfectly for Danny Zuko, and his voice is always nice to hear. Julianne Hough did great as well. I've never seen her in an acting or singing role, but she pulled off innocent Sandy fantastically.

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Let me just talk about Vanessa Hudgens for a second. The girl epitomized the mantra "the show must go on" by performing hours after losing her father. Not only that, but she totally rocked the role of Rizzo as if she poured all the emotion she was feeling into pulling it off. When my grandmother passed away, I could barely do anything, much less perform for millions of people.

The pink ladies were all great. I loved Marty's song "Freddy My Love" and the way they pulled off a costume change for that. I felt like Carly Rae Jepsen's song was one of the weaker showings, but she was pretty strong throughout.

One of my favorite moments was Doody's rendition of "Those Magic Changes." Doody's was probably one of my favorites just in general. Jordan Fisher is pretty adorable. I also liked Jan, portrayed by Keller Donahue. She was obviously meant to be the comedy of the show with her voracious eating habits and quirky personality.

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Although there were some moments that weren't my favorites I overall really enjoyed this live production. It's probably my favorite way that a live show has been done. It was quite innovative and fun to watch.

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Jaime Heller

For any well-known musical production--whether it's famous because of a Broadway show or a movie--it has to be intimidating to create a new production of it. Yet, it happens all the time on a smaller scale of productions. For the cast and producers of Grease: Live, I applaud your bravery for taking on such a monumental project and thrusting it into the spotlight of live television.

It had been a few years since I watched the 1978 film of Grease, so I was going into the show with a blurred impression of the songs and story. Sure, I could probably finish a few lyrics of "Grease Lighting" or "Hopelessly Devoted to You," but I wasn't up to par on my Grease knowledge. Thus, I thoroughly enjoyed this live production.

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There's just something about a live performance that outranks any film. Sure, Aaron Tveit might not be John Travolta, but he pulled off the part well with his acting and singing. (Plus, I think he's more attractive than Travolta ever was.) Vanessa Hudgens was Rizzo, through and through. The entire cast from Julianne Hough to Carly Rae Jepsen to even Mario Lopez (Yes, I know) did a fantastic job. They had to race across the sets to get to their next scene, they didn't get to take breaks in between "takes," and they didn't have a few months to complete the performance. They had a single, three-hour event to shine. And shine they did. Every single member of this cast proved their talent.

I was pleasantly surprised to catch all the cameos within the production. Joe Jonas, Mario Lopez, and even Carly Rae Jepsen as Frenchy was a huge, delightful surprise. Of course, the best cameo was Didi Conn as Vi, the diner waitress. Conn played Frenchy in the film, so it was exciting to see her and Carly Rae Jepsen's Frenchy interact in a scene together. The 1978 Doody, Barry Pearl, played a small role too. It was cute to see them with their "Pink Ladies" and "T-Bird" jackets at the end.

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Yes, this production wasn't the film--but it doesn't have to be. It was wonderfully done all on its own as Grease: Live. The cast did great, the sets were cool to see, and the end scene was one of the best moments. I could see the fun and relief on the actors faces as they rolled into the carnival scene. That kind of joy is what makes live productions so worth watching. Grease: Live, I applaud you. (Also, for a fun, hilarious, and oh-so-true recap, read this.)

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What did you think of Grease: Live? React with us in the comments below! 

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Ranking Musicals: 1970s

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  It's time to look back at some more musicals. Today's post? The 1970s! There were many shows, but very few that I am familiar with. Due to this, there are only four on my list this week. A few more popular musicals from this decade, such as Chicago, I haven't completely listened to, so I decided to leave them off. Without further ado, into the psychedelic '70s we plunge.

4. Grease (1971)

 Grease is not one of my favorite musicals. In fact, it is one of my least favorite of those I've seen. It tells the story of a naive and wholesome girl who met and dated a boy for a summer prior to the start of the show. When she moves to her new school, she is surprised to find that the same sweet boy she met at the beach attends her new school... but he isn't so sweet. In fact, he's one of the school's bad boys, and he doesn't treat her the same in order to protect his rep. The show portrays their struggles trying to work things out, the various problems faced by fellow students, and other high school drama. It ends with a message that isn't what you'd expect (and isn't very healthy). You should check it out for yourself, though. There are some catchy tunes. The video clip above is from the film version.

3. Evita (1978)

  Evita is a musical based on the life of Eva Peron, wife of an Argentinian president, who fought her way from the bottom to the top before her early death. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show has plenty of potential and does have its good parts, but it still isn't one of my favorites. Highlights include Mandy Patinkin in the above video as the show's narrator, Che. You may recognize him from The Princess Bride, where he was the famous Inigo Montoya. There is also a film version starring Madonna. 

2. Sweeney Todd (1979)

  Do you have a thing for dark, brooding stories? Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the story of a man wrongly convicted of a crime. He loses his family and barber shop. Years later, he returns with violent revenge and the belief that the world is full of evil people who deserve to die. Some of his customers got close shaves. The above video is from the film version and shows a young boy taken in by the titular character's partner claiming he will protect her. Of course, he has no idea she's in league with the guy who's making everybody disappear. Check it out for yourself. It's gritty and not for everyone. 

1. Annie (1977)

Annie is the classic story of a spunky red-headed orphan trying to find her family. Most of us have probably seen at least one of the many film versions. This was one of my favorites as a child and still has a special place in my heart. The above video is from the original Broadway Annie, Andrea McArdle. If you enjoy classic underdog stories (or just cute kids), you're certain to love this show.

What is your favorite musical from this decade? Are you familiar with my choices? Do you have a better list?

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