Fox just aired Grease Live! and it’s been getting rave reviews. The classic musical was adapted for a live tv spot staring big names like Aaron Tveit (Les Miserables), Julianne Hough (Safe Haven, Foot Loose, DWTS), Vanessa Hugdens (High School Musical), Carlos Pena Vega (Big Time Rush), Carly Rae Jepson, and Keke Palmer. If you missed it live, you can still catch the show on Fox.com or Hulu. If you’re on the fence about watching it, here’s why you definitely should:
Julianne Hough was B O R N to play Sandy. Seriously, I got chills during “Hopelessly Devoted”. Julianne is a triple threat, she can sing, dance and act. She captures Sandy’s endearing innocence and her transition to a wild side.
The choreography is fresh and surprising. They don’t regurgitate stuff from the movie, but still pay tribute to some iconic moves.
Surprise! Carly Rae Jepsen CAN act! And she is Frenchie through and through.
Gabriella is back in high school and slays her big number.
These Scene-stealers had me ROLLING. Haneefah Wood as Blanche was hilarious, she had impeccable comedic timing. Elle McLemore as Patty Simcox was also really wonderful.
Jordan Fisher sang “Those Magic Changes” and it was swoon worthy. This kid has got a great voice.
The CHEMISTRY of this entire cast.
And just this guy.
Now, there are some things I could have done without.
Keke palmer’s weird patriotic solo song for one. I also couldn’t get behind the theatrical voice she used to deliver her lines. It was just..weird.
Carly’s solo song before “Beauty School Drop Out.” It was just fine.
DNCE as Johnny Casino and the Gamblers, the band that plays at the school dance. Their sound just didn’t make sense for 50s swing.
The live audience broke the scene for me. Their cheering overpowered some songs and they stuck out against the set. They could have at least asked the audience to dress for the time period.
Overall Grease Live has a really impressive, diverse, and talented cast and production.