Tommy Tune's Grease changes (1994 revival)

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

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).

"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...

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.

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...

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

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

Too bad Debra Monk is tied up with Curtains.

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

MB - HA!