Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Julianne Hough | ... | Sandy Young | |
Aaron Tveit | ... | Danny Zuko | |
Vanessa Hudgens | ... | Betty Rizzo | |
Keke Palmer | ... | Marty Maraschino | |
Carly Rae Jepsen | ... | Frenchie | |
Mario Lopez | ... | Vince Fontaine | |
Carlos PenaVega | ... | Kenickie | |
Kether Donohue | ... | Jan | |
Jordan Fisher | ... | Doody | |
David Del Rio | ... | Putzie | |
Andrew Call | ... | Sonny | |
Wendell Pierce | ... | Coach Calhoun | |
Boyz II Men | ... | Teen Angel | |
Jessie J | ... | Jessie J | |
Ana Gasteyer | ... | Principal McGee |
Nearly four decades after Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson's delicious youthful romance in legendary Grease (1978), Grease Live breathes new life into everyone's favourite teenage love affair; however, with a twist: the addition of a live audience. Once more, against the colourful backdrop of the iconic late-1950s Rydell High, the riotous gang of greasers, the T-Birds, and Betty Rizzo's delightfully sassy posse, the Pink Ladies, battle for attention, thirsting to become the coolest teams in school. Undoubtedly, this is going to be yet another year filled with passion, innocence, dance, affection, and teen energy, as the students set their mind on excelling in the much-awaited live dance contest. In this high school graduation day, GREASE is still the word. Written by Nick Riganas
For the most part, Fox really got it right. The two lead actors were up to the roles. Both could really sing, dance and act. What a far cry from the lame leads on NBC's versions of The Wiz, Peter Pan and Sound of Music. The staging and sets were outstanding. The camera-work was first rate and the audio mix was very good.
Julianne Hough was absolutely outstanding. A very young 27, beautiful and talented performer, she was a perfect choice to play Sandy. I cannot think of anyone who could have done it better.
The guy playing Danny - Aaron Tveit - had the right looks and build for the role and is an excellent singer-dancer-actor.
The supporting cast was enthusiastic and well-rehearsed.
Except for a 20 second audio loss during Hand Jive, there was no major technical glitch. Unlike NBC, the cameramen did not wind up in each other's shots. The movie was virtually all white as fit the setting of 1959. This Grease version tried a little too hard to integrate the cast and with the exception of the Coach, that really didn't work. It was the equivalent of sticking a bunch of Whites or Asians in The Wiz or Purlie. However, the forced diversity wasn't too glaring and didn't hurt the show overall.
Fox's Grease Live sets a new standard for live TV musicals. Congrats to all - cast, crew, producers.