Fox's 'Grease': Live Version Of Musical To Air In 2015 — Page 4
Posted: 4/29/14 at 11:18pm
Posted: 4/30/14 at 6:34am
It wasn't just because it had a bunch of (then) no-name actors in the leading roles, with the exception of pop singer Olivia and on-the-rise star John Travolta. It was also because they reached out to an older generation and cast recognizable stars from the 1950s and early 1960s TV shows, like Ed Burns, Sid Caesar, Frankie Avalon, Eve Arden, Alice Ghostly, Fannie Flagg, Dodie Goodman, etc.
They need to do the same thing now to bring in the older audiences. It can't just be a bunch of kids on TV unless they want to limit the viewer appeal.
This time, they should go after all of those 1970s stars who appeared in 1950s sitcoms and were big names in their day. They should play all the adult roles and have cameos as well.
People like Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Anson Williams, Donny Most, Scott Baio, Eddie Mekka, Michael McKean, etc.
Add them into the mix with the "kiddies" and you'll have a big hit in the ratings.
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 4/30/14 at 06:34 AM
Posted: 4/30/14 at 6:59am
The only 3 characters I could see them doing that with is Miss Lynch - The Principal. Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine.
Posted: 4/30/14 at 7:35am
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Posted: 4/30/14 at 7:39am
Updated On: 4/30/14 at 07:39 AM
Posted: 4/30/14 at 1:24pm
At least with Grease (which isn't even a good show), Fox isn't boxing themselves in.
Posted: 4/30/14 at 1:28pm
Posted: 4/30/14 at 8:35pm

I can very much see her in the role.
Updated On: 4/30/14 at 08:35 PM
Posted: 4/30/14 at 8:46pm
Posted: 4/30/14 at 8:49pm
Posted: 4/30/14 at 9:29pm
I definitely feel she'll be a front runner for the role. She may not be the best candidate, but she has the experience, the voice, the looks, and the following, traits in which NBC executives are most likely seeking.
Posted: 4/30/14 at 9:37pm
To add to that, she has also had the Broadway experience in "13".
Posted: 4/30/14 at 9:37pm
Actually, I'd kind of like to see Michael McKean as Vince Fontaine.
Posted: 5/2/14 at 3:31pm
http://www.eonline.com/news/536454/grease-dream-cast-taylor-swift-zac-efron-drake-and-more-of-our-picks-for-fox-s-live-special
Obviously I am a huge Sara Ramirez fan. But, she would seriously stick out like a sore thumb if the rest of the cast for the teens were in their 20's. That's not me saying she looks old at all, but it would look ridiculous on tv to believe she is 17 or 18 next to someone like Taylor Swift or Zac Efron. While I realize the movie cast was older, they at least looked to be about the same age.
Posted: 5/2/14 at 4:10pm
Posted: 5/2/14 at 6:25pm
It's interesting these networks are tackling the original source material of popular "mainstream" musicals. More specifically, musicals that went on to be re-worked in film adaptations that were ultimately, much better. But don't they realize that is original source material is pretty poopy? I guess its all about the ratings.
Posted: 5/2/14 at 7:38pm
Whether or not it was better, I can't really say as I'm not that familiar with the actual original script due to the various revisions over the years. I listen to the OBC way more than the film soundtrack though.
Also, they haven't said anything about using the original script. That was something the press releases for THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE were very adamant about, making sure to point out that it wasn't just going to be the movie (although they contradicted that idea by using "Something Good").
Posted: 8/4/14 at 8:51am
Posted: 8/4/14 at 3:52pm
Top of the page..
Posted: 8/4/14 at 4:02pm
Posted: 8/4/14 at 4:13pm
Of course. There are hundreds of rightfully forgotten flops in Broadway history. What do you want them to produce?
When are we gonna get a decent show produced for TV, not this mindless crap. The worst possible representation of musical theatre.
What musical would you imagine Fox would air hoping to garner ratings? To me, for a first-time outing, picking a bona-fide profit monster and one of the most popular musicals ever written would make more business sense than say, Light in the Piazza or Caroline, or Change. Now, I'm not as fond of the new Grease as the original, but I'm not convinced that it's the "worst possible representation". It may not be Golden Age or artsy-fartsy, but its unflappable popularity on an international scale for over 40 years is rather impressive and it has never failed to bring in audiences. What may be mindless crap to you may be a much-needed fun and familiar diversion for others.
Posted: 8/4/14 at 4:22pm
It's all about money and getting ratings. This is a safe, fun choice.
Posted: 8/4/14 at 5:37pm
Posted: 8/4/14 at 5:40pm
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