This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.
If you were one of the 12 million viewers who tuned into FOX’s production of Grease: Live on Sunday night, you know just how awesome it was. The entire cast killed it, doing the musical a great service. While the whole thing was top-notch, there were a few key pieces that really put it over the top.
1. Greased Lightning choreography
If you haven’t already attempted this dance, chances are you will in the near future. The choreography is spot-on for this number. This classic scene received (dare I say) an upgrade.
2. Aaron Tveit in short shorts
Don’t lie, you know this was your favorite part. Twitter went into a full-on meltdown; even Anna Kendrick got in on it.
3. Aaron Tveit’s biceps
Okay…you get the point. Aaron Tveit is fun to look at. While he looked great in the leather jacket, we definitely enjoyed the t-shirt scenes, too.
4. Vanessa Hudgens
Literally everything about her performance was perfect. The solos. The walk. The sass. Oh, the sass. Each line was on point, and actually made Rizzo a more relatable character.
5. Gabriella Montez and Carlos from Big Time Rush ended up together
While Gabriella and Troy will always be one of our favorite couples, this is still what Disney/Nickelodeon dreams are made of.
6. Didi Conn’s role
How awesome was it to see the original Frenchie back as Vi? She’s still adorable. There was a nice symmetry during her scenes with Carly Rae Jepson, Grease: Live’s Frenchie. Barry Pearl, who was the original Doody, also has a part. But is anyone quite as beloved as Frenchie?
7. “Who wants to watch a bunch of amateurs in a dance contest on live TV?”
This line from Julianne Hough is hilarious, but it’s easy to miss the humor. She spent many seasons as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars…a show where people watch amateurs in a dance competition on live TV. Despite hitting so close to home, Hough admitted that the line tripped her up every time.
8. Anytime Blanche was on screen
It was impossible not to in hysterics each time actress Haneefah Wood graced our screens. We think she needed a bigger part. Maybe her own spin-off?
9. The behind-the-scenes glimpses
It was incredible to see just how precise the timing had to be, and how difficult that was to accomplish. The cast can be seen sprinting to golf carts in order to make it to the other side of the studio lot for the next scene.
10. Amendments to the original message
While the overall message of Grease has always been a little questionable, this version did a better job at addressing hints at sexism and the idea that the world doesn’t revolve around men. When Frenchie delivers the line, “You know, Sandy, guys aren’t everything,” you can help but cheer a little. #girlpower