WBAF's Official GREASE Review Thread- Page 4

[Timmer]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 10:45am

I think some of these critics just strongly resent the TV show and want to make sure that never happens again.

[Kringas]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 10:47am

"We're definitely going to be the Burger Palace Boys," Max said. "We're staying true to the Broadway show. The only thing that's really different is that I'm singing 'Sandy,' she's singing 'Hopefully Devoted to You,' and at the end we're doing 'You're the One That I Want.'"


The poor dears. I wonder if they still thinking they are staying true.

The poor dears

[kellybean2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:05am

"Hopefully Devoted to You"? He really said that?

[shiz_student94]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:11am

I second Timmer's statement!! I think critics are going in prejudice about choosing 'nobodies' as the leads for such a revival through a reality television show. Which is nuts. On one side, I didn't think it was the best idea, because they may have been bad choices and such...but on the other side, it was a good idea because look how much money it has already made! They are bringing in lots of new theatre-goers. Plus, since this is a small theatre the show could be around for a while since they can only fit so many into the theatre...

[Timmer]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:30am

"On one side, I didn't think it was the best idea, because they may have been bad choices and such..."

Marshall, Ian, and Jacobs used their singoffs and "saving" someone every week plus their picks at the end of each week's show to make sure tehy got the best of the field.

When Max first came in, David told him he was very talented but would have to remake his look to be Danny, and Max did everything he was told to do.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:32am

"I figured he would have written a love letter to Robyn Hurder.

And I guess I'm the not only one who wasn't blown away by Jenny Powers."

Yankee, I thought the exact same thing about Robyn Hurder. And I thought that you really liked Jenny Powers. In your original review, you talked about how she was leagues better than everyone else.

Oh, and Timmer, while I can say that some reviewers probably did go in already biased in hating the idea of the reality show, none of the statements made in any of the reviews are false. They may have gone in looking for the bad, and they certainly found it. They didn't create it. Pretty much everyone here who saw it said the exact same things as the reviews, with the exception of a few.

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:34am

The reviews are pretty much exactly what I expected.

Honestly, I think what will eventually be a problem for this show is the fact that this revival is so unnessasary, and after the initial opening explosion, it will fade fast. The show just had a revival 13 years ago, and is probably the most preformed musical in high schools and regional theatres across the country. Why are people going to spend upwards of 100 bucks to see a show in NY that they could see regionally in Topeka, Kansas? The only way this show is going to keep drawing audiences in is if they start stunt casting.

Posted: 8/20/07 at 11:46am

honestly, i think the reviews are kinder than i expected.

[StageFan2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:01pm

"I think some of these critics just strongly resent the TV show and want to make sure that never happens again."

You may be right Timmer. But, IMO it should never happen again. It's a bad production spawned from a bad idea and it shows.

"Honestly, I think what will eventually be a problem for this show is the fact that this revival is so unnessasary, and after the initial opening explosion, it will fade fast."

I agree whole-heartly RH. The initial rush we're seeing may be; at least to some degree, the people who actually watched this mess develope on TV from the onset. I don't think there's any staying power in this production. I had hard time staying for the 2nd Act.

"Why are people going to spend upwards of 100 bucks to see a show in NY that they could see regionally in Topeka, Kansas?"

Another good point and one I hadn't thought about. Our local Park Playhouse has been putting on Grease all summer - Tues thru Sunday - FREE, with donations accepted of course. I have to be honest, it's an excellent production considering the Playhouse's production staff is volunteer, as are the cast and they are operating on a minimal budget. I would much rather put 20, 30, or 40 bucks in the box and watch our local production than pay to watch the current Off-Broadway fiasco.

[Vera Charles2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:16pm

The folks in TWOP's "Competitive Reality TV" forum give us a clue as to what they (the dedicated TV Watchers of America) think of BWW/Grease/Reality Show Casting for Broadway. This from a forum member who posted prior to the first preview:

"Over at Broadwayworld.com, there are few people who are going to see the first preview. It is an open website, so you don't need to register to be able to read the posts. (They are mostly Broadway purists who don't like the reality show concept, but many seem to be reluctantly accepting of Grease as it has been cast now.)"

...and a few days later from the same forum member (after he/she must have read all the BWW posts on the first week of previews):

"Over in London, it seems like everything West End is going the reality tv show way. No one over there is lamenting and saying that it is bringing the qualities of musicals down. Of course, they don't mind musicals that aren't serious, aren't artsy, either but are able to let serious and comic musicals co-exist without freaking out over the fact the people enjoy seeing comic musicals."

The other posts in the forum dedicated to G:YTOTIW (between first preview and opening night) were all pretty much gushing over Max & Laura and how great they are/how great Grease is...that is, until someone started posting links to last night's reviews. That board has now come to a grinding halt.

Anyway, I just tripped over that forum while looking for something else and I thought y'all might find TV Nation's comments interesting (if not somewhat expected).

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:17pm

bjh - don't get me wrong, I did enjoy her (and she was leagues better than everyone else). I just wasn't "blown away" the same way others were.

***

"I think critics are going in prejudice about choosing 'nobodies' as the leads for such a revival through a reality television show."

"I think some of these critics just strongly resent the TV show and want to make sure that never happens again."

Well Brantley raved for Connie Fisher in "Sound of Music," and had some pretty positive things to say about Lee Mead in "Joseph," so your points are defeated.

[Glory]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:27pm

wow some of these reviews are ridiculous. I was at the opening last night, and granted some of the direction and sets sucked, the cast was powerful and it was such a fun show. It's a shame to see so many people hating on it.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:29pm

I am actually really pleased with the reviews.

I knew there was no way on God's green earth this production was going to get positive notices, but I was worried that Laura was going get caught in the crosshair of the reality tv disdain. Anyone else giving the performance she's giving in this nothing of a character wouldn't be under the scrutiny she's been receiving primarily because of the unconventional way she landed the role.

But, overall, reviews of her have been pretty good so I am really pleased.

Updated On: 8/20/07 at 12:29 PM

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:29pm

From the pictures that were just posted...

I have to say that this current production of Grease looks like crap. They even stole the 'look' of the lights in Hairspray.

Can we buy Sandy a wig that dosen't look like her own hair, teased up at the last minute?

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 12:51pm

I had a good time and enjoyed the show. So did the audience.

I have posted this before and will do it again, since I am going to see it again, despite the reviews.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 5:21pm

our "favorite" Broadway.com's Word of Mouth

Enjoy

https://www.broadway.com/gen/General.aspx?ci=551726

J*

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 5:27pm

Jesus H. Christ, they're still harping on the fact that she isn't blonde?

Seriously...

[StageFan2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 5:37pm

Thanks for posting the WOM link J, I needed the laugh!
I've been a bit depressed today because I agree with a Clive Barnes review. It's devastating.

But thank you WOM for pulling me out of the doldrums of self-pity and into a giggling fit. Nothing like in depth reviews from deep thinkers. What was that Dawn the Wedding Video gal said about the show? Oh yea - "It was cute. That's the best way I can describe it."

Holy jumpin Jesus, I hope I don't think about that on the I-90 tonight heading home, I'll have a giggling seizure and wreck for sure!


Updated On: 8/20/07 at 05:37 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 5:39pm

youre welcome.. I was laughing too.. Are those guys new ?

BTW- I thought were going to call all the critics' review thread ..The Margo Channing Review Thread ?

J*

Updated On: 8/20/07 at 05:39 PM

Posted: 8/20/07 at 5:55pm

i did wanna say i was happy to see the lovley photos of Ilene Kristen @ the Opening!

she was in the orginal cast, & a Soap Vet!

i love her!

[Dancin Thru Life]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 7:16pm

For fans of the show, you might want to clip and frame this review.
I think the author doesn't exactly hate it...but I can't really tell!
P.S. I have no idea why this was in my mailbox today!

==========

A CurtainUp Review

Grease

By Simon Saltzman

It is consoling that a critic has the opportunity to argue as well as point out that a show's long-standing success or renewable popularity doesn't necessarily determine its value or quality. To the delight of the general public, however, some shows simply defy critical oversight. If they didn't Grease would probably not have survived to any significant degree for the past 35 years.

Despite my continuing indifference (just this side of disdain) for this persistently insipid 50s rock 'n roll musical, the renewed and refreshed revival directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, is probably about as good as it's ever going to get. And, I rather enjoyed some of it. This is not to imply that Tony Award-winner ( The Pajama Game ! revival) Marshall has done anything notably innovative or adventurous with this show to merit our eternal gratitude.

Outside of the attention drawn to the show by its nationally televised auditions, one wonders why it is back on Broadway so soon. There is no denying that the Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey musical found its way into the hearts of many, even as it made its way into American musical theater history. This, mostly by right of its original record-breaking Broadway run (February 14, 1972 — April 13, 1980) of 3,388 performances, a record that would stand until it was overtaken by A Chorus Line! in 1980.

A Broadway revival in 1994 featuring the then ubiquitous Rosie O'Donnell was also a success, playing longer (1,503 performances) than any revival up to that time. This ostensible homage to teens in heat (a far cry from Spring Awakening!) also spawned a highly successful film version that starred John Travolta, Olivia Newton John and Stockard Channing, all of whom were close to twice the age of the characters they played.

The best of the enhancements to this exuberantly danced staging is the addition of songs from the film version—a great idea. Aside from the mind-numbing text, basically little more than lead-ins to the musical numbers, there is the saving grace of the tuneful score. The songs from the film score that are strategically integrated include "Grease," (by Barry Gibb), "Sandy," (by Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis, and "Hopelessly Devoted to You," and "You're the One That I Want," (by John Farrar).

The plot remains focused on the dating rituals of a group of typical high school teenagers during the Eisenhower years. I guess that means that all anyone has on his or her mind is singing, dancing, hot rods and sex. So what else is new? It's not the familiar plot, in which Ryder High's various girl and boy gangs hang out in clicks making crude, rude, and vulgar remarks to and about each other. They are supposed to remind us of what boys and the girls had uppermost on their minds in the 1950s, like making out, breaking up and making up. The authors certainly had their audience pegged. It'a time before racial lines were crossed, a time when the only mix was between the hoods and the nerds, the jocks and the jerks, the sluts and the snobs.

The basic tastelessness of the show seems to have been toned down in favor of a more concerted effort to keep the bouncy songs and energetic dances coming at us with breakneck speed. The songs may be corny and trite, but they do have melody in their favor. The dances may be hokey, but the engaging performers seem to be giving their all to the cause despite the fact that too many look too old for their roles. A minimum of self-mockery in the performances is a plus. Even Susan Blommaert, as Miss Lynch the no-nonsense teacher, offers clues that a human being resides somewhere in the halls of Rydell High.

The two principals, winners of the highly publicized TV show contest Grease: You're The One That I Want, in which performers from across the country tried out for the lead roles of Danny and Sandy, fill the bill nicely without setting the stage ablaze. The production team, after all, was not casting for the next Mimi and Rudolfo. Laura Osnes, who is making her Broadway debut at 21, plays the virginal Sandy who learns how to be popular in her first year at Ryder Highby joining the Pink Ladies, learning to smoke, having her ears pierced (make that one ear), and getting her heart broken a couple of times, as reflected in such endearing treacle as "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "It's Raining on Prom Night." Osnes is pretty, pert and perky, sings well and offers proof that a summertime romance with Danny Zuko (Max Crumm) has its ups and downs when the school term begins. Mainly, however, Osnes offers proof that performing throughout Minnesota since the second grade has finally paid off.

Crumm, a Los Angeles native, is also making his Broadway debut as greaser Danny, the leader of the gang that call themselves T-Birds. He dances with the spirit of a cool teen and keeps up admirably with the more noticeably dynamic dancing of the ensemble, and his voice isn't bad either. Jenny Powers has a harder time carrying off the blasé Rizzo's sexily insinuated shenanigans, but is redeemed with her amusing take on "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" and with a nicely emotionalized "There Are Worse Things I Could Do." We are certainly as relieved as she is when she announces that her menstrual cycle is back on track. So much for tension.

Standout among the T-Birds is Matthew Saldivar, as the tough-talking Kenickie who revs up his hot rod with "Greased Lighnin'." In this, one of the cleverest numbers, Kenickie's grey old heap of junk is transformed into a shiny red Thunderbird convertible.

Also fine are Jeb Brown, as Vince, who leads the company in a rousing "Born to Hand-Jive" and Jamison Scott as the nerd Eugene. The Pink Ladies, as played with individuality run amok by Allison Fischer, Robyn Hurder, Kirsten Wyatt and Lindsay Mendez, deliver most of the musical's brainless blathering with skill and determination. Daniel Everidge and Mendez are appealing as the "Mooning" pudgy lovers. Ryan Patrick Binder has a fine musical moment when he makes the most of those "Magic Changes" with his guitar. There are laughs generated by "Beauty School Dropout", in which Frenchie (Kirsten Wyatt) and a comely bleached blonde male teen angel (Steven Buntrock) partake in a fantasy amid a bevy of celestial beauticians with their hair in rollers.

Grease happens within designer Derek McLane's colorful yet slightly cheesy looking settings that whimsically evoke such notorious meeting places as the school gym, a burger palace, a drive-in, lunchroom, a bedroom, and street corners. Costume designer Martin Pakledinaz gives plenty of color and flair to the crinoline-supported dresses, carried to most ludicrous extreme by Natalie Hill, as Kenickie's prom date Cha Cha.

By the time, Grease gets to the rousing prom night dance, you will most likely have to admit that there are probably worse things that you can do than get "Shakin' at the High School Hop." A highlight is the band that is perched high above the set and conducted by a vivacious, curvaceous and demonstrably involved conductor Kimberly Grigsby.

http://www.curtainup.com/grease07.html

[Kalimba]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 7:42pm

I think Kathleen Marshall just sealed her fate for work on any Broadway productions in the near future. The reviews are what I expected them to be.

[yankees1253]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 9:36pm

heres the review from the Rockland Journal News:
I thought they were way too nice

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/ENTERTAINMENT/708200313/1186/ENTERTAINMENTFRONT



Not worth seeing again unless i pay half

[Malice]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 9:57pm

Stagefan-Clive Barnes had the funniest line in all of the reviews. "Despite Marshall's energized efforts, this crass musical makes "Legally Blonde" seem like "West Side Story." I actually laughed when I read that, who knew he could be funny. On a side note I don't think anyone else mentioned this, does anyone think the reason they chose to open on a Sunday was to avoid the spotlight of a Friday edition?

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 10:56pm

"Jesus H. Christ, they're still harping on the fact that she isn't blonde?"

I never mentioned a thing about her color, I just think her finale hair looks like they just ratted up her own hair.

Besides, the hair style is totally wrong if the show is set in the 50's. It looks a lot like Pennys hair in Hairspray.