And God begat “Glee” and it was good and “Glee” begat NBC’s Live Production of “The Sound Of Music” and 22 Million viewers watched Carrie Underwood spectacularly bad problem called Maria and immediately signed up for Live version of “Peter Pan” -not the greatest idea I’ve ever heard.
Meanwhile, FOX know a good idea when they failed to make the next step forward for themselves woke up and announced there would be a three hour live production of “Grease” during the 2015 season. Shana C. Waterman, senior VP of event series for Fox said: “From Broadway to film, and across generations, Grease is one of the most beloved musical stories ever told – and we can’t wait to bring it to our air in a spectacular live event. Its iconic characters and addictive songs make it the perfect fit for Fox, and we’re going to give it the kind of star power and production quality to make every Sandy, Danny, Rizzo and Kenickie out there want to get up and sing along.”
In this brave new world where television is the new music for cutting edge pop thrills, “Grease” is a little on the lame side. I would have recommended “Spring Awakening” though I understand the problems with the censor and the lack of family might make that unacceptable. But how about something huge and smashing like “Showboat”? Or the adaption of a movie, say “Singing In The Rain”?
With the movie (not unlike “The Sound Of Music” there for everyone to see, “Grease” is a little obvious… unless.. they get the right cast. I read when “The Wire” suggested Taylor Swift as Sandy and you gotta think that would do it right? But who as Danny? My suggestions, either a black Danny or an unknown. They had their contest back in 2007 where contestants vied for a role in the Broadway production… maybe?
