Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge advocate for the recent television adaptations of classic musicals and that I was totally stoked for the latest one, Grease: Live! The combination of Aaron Thiet as Danny Zuko and Julianne Hough as Sandy Young was too much for my heart to take. I had the day marked in my calendar for months and was the first one in front of the T.V. in my sorority house when it hit the airwaves.
The show overall was a complete hit, but it did have its moments that I thought could have been much better.
Technical Elements
The good:
There is something to be said for the production value of the entire show. The transitions between the different stages were flawless. The camera work was a choreography all of its own and showed some serious skill. The costume changes were amazing, and there wasn't a hiccup in almost anything technical.
The bad:
The sound could have been better. There were a few scenes
The ugly:
For many people watching at home, myself included, there was a technical glitch that halted the show for a few minutes. I was extremely disappointed that this cut out one of the most iconic scenes- the hand jive scene.
Choreography and Directing
The good:
I was absolutely blown away by Zach Woodley's choreography. As I predicted, he capitalized on many of the actors' past Broadway experience as well as Julianne Hough's professional dance background.
The bad:
Some of the choices that the actors made weren't my favorite. I understand the director, Thomas Kail, wanted to put a new spin on the old classic, but I wasn't a fan of Vanessa Hudgens classier version of Rizzo.
Cast
The good:
I was blown away by both Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit. Their vocals were phenomenal and Hough killed the dance sections. I was very impressed by everything about Hudgen's rendition "There are Worse Things I Could Do," it's not an easy song to pull off. I loved Elle McLemore's quirky Patty Simcox and how different it was from her portraying of Heather McNumera in Heathers. All of the T-Birds were phenomenal.
The bad:
Carly Rae Jepson as Frenchy wasn't bad, until her weird solo. Maybe it was a time filler, but it felt out of place and unnecessary.
The ugly:
Literally why were Boyz II Men even invited.
Other highlights
Joe Jonas performing at the prom, appearances from cast members from the original movie, anything involving golf carts, the entire "Greased Lightning" number, the live audience and so much more.
There's no doubt in my mind that this will be the best reviewed made for T.V. live musical.
