Tommy Tune's Grease changes (1994 revival)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:05pm

After seeing Sam Harris on The Class, had to prove to myself that he's a damn good singer, as well as actor. Broke out the 1994 revival CD and gave it a listen.

I don't have many memories of the production, except the "dance contest" prior to the show. What were some of the changes that Tommy Tune made to the show?

I do remember that I was spared any celebrity casting and say Angela Pupello as Rizzo, Hunter Foster as Roger, Marissa Winokur as Jan, and Jenn Cody as Cha-Cha. Updated On: 2/12/07 at 09:05 PM

[Zachary Goldfarb]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:36pm

Though that revival was "Tommy Tune's Production of GREASE," he really had very little to do with it. Any changes that were made were made by Jeff Calhoun - he directed it.
The biggest change, I think (aside from the significantly new arrangements - as illustrated by Billy Porter's "Beauty School Drop Out") was that since they weren't allowed to use "Hopelessly Devoted To You," Sandy sang the song "Since I Don't Have You" - a song never written for GREASE.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:37pm

There were lots of changes: the prologue was completely different - with the Rydall High parody gone in place of an early choral version of "We Go Together."

The script was cleaned up and somewhat streamlined. In lieu of the fact that none of the film songs were used - Sandy was given a standard 50s ballad called "Since I Don't Have You" instead of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" (understandable because Sandy really does need a solo song in the show to express her feelings). The ending was played much more tounge in cheek - clearly the element of GREASE as a parody of bad 50s movies has slowely fallen by the wayside since the original Broadway staging, and thus Sandy becoming a "bad girl" was played with a knowing "wink" to the audience as if to say; "don't worry, she's not really going to become a slut..."

The production was fairly tacky- it lacked most of the fun of the original - it was strictly tourist fare. Even with the leads coming from a reality show, Kathleen Marshall won't have to do much to make the show a huge improvement over Jeff Calhoun's direction (Tommy Tune was only a producing partner on the show).

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:49pm

I knew Jeff Calhoun directed it (It just slipped my mind!) Considering that Tune's name is larger than the title (in my Playbill, at least), I can see how it's easy to get that confused.

MB - thanks, as usual, for clearing it all up. I knew they changed the opening (evident on the CD, as well as different orchestrations). I saw the show in 1997, long after the show was up and running and, even though I was significantly younger, I remember it seeming like a joke. The dance contest prior to the show was a great tourist attraction - come on stage and get a t-shirt if you win!

Who wrote Since I Don't Have You?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:58pm

"Since I Don't Have You" was written by the Skyliners. It was actually a somewhat clever choice because it was released originally in 1959 - the year GREASE takes place.

I'm somewhat embarrased to say I saw the revival many times...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 9:59pm

Ha, it's okay. Guilty pleasure?

PS: The Skyliners aren't credited in my Playbill (which I recently found). Was the song in the public domain?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:02pm

Oh no I'm sure it wasn't in the public domain....

It was something of a guilty pleasure - mostly for the stunt casting. Like I was going to miss the chance to see Marcia Brady or Debbie Boone as Rizzo? I don't think so.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:05pm

Ha!

Can't forget about Lucy "She's Not Xena Anymore" Lawless.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:09pm

Or the hideous billboard of Linda Blair (complete with spining head)-- "Look who's turning heads at Grease!"

If you want good stories about the revival, you need to ask Rath...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:14pm

Times Square just hasn't been complete since they took down that billboard they had by the old Howard Johnson's.

Alright, Rath, I'm all ears if you wanna join us!

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:39pm

I love "Since I Don't Have You." I just always felt it was such a great song.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:44pm

I wouldn't be surprised if the reality revival followed the London cast recording with John Barrowman.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:47pm

They have to get someone really good for Ms. Lynch.

Too bad Debra Monk is tied up with Curtains.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:47pm

I dont think that John Barrowman recording is actually from the British revival. There was a British revival cast recording with Debbie Gibson (included all the movie songs) - and I would assume that is the version they are using from Broadway, since David Ian who produced that revival is producing the new production in NYC.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:48pm

They should bring back that fabulous middle aged Long Island lady who auditioned for Sandy to be Ms. Lynch! Updated On: 2/12/07 at 10:48 PM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:57pm

Oh, yeah.

Barrowman made the studio recording.

Still, Barrowman needs to come to Broadway in THE FIX.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/12/07 at 10:58pm

MB - HA!

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 2/13/07 at 9:24am

I dunno, I was really partial to the dark haired lady that we saw second on the first episode, but that may be because I felt bad for her....OOOH! Or the dancing cupcake!

MB-
How were Blair, McCormick and Lawless? I'm fascinated.