This GREASE "thing"
This GREASE "thing"
CurtainPullDowner
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/4/04
#1This GREASE "thing"
Posted: 11/7/06 at 2:42pm
Does this reality TV GREASE show creep anyone else out but me?
The reason for doing a revival is "usually" because someone has a new vision or something fresh to bring to an old show.
But this revival is only being done to promote another reality TV show.
I am not a Kathleen Marshall fan but this, to me is really sinking low on her part.
I know Theatre is a business and a job is a job, but c'mon.
#1re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 2:48pm
The only problem with it I have is the fact that there are many Broadway actors/actresses who are "established" and been in the biz for years, worked hard, auditioned, Equity card holders ect. and this gives Joe and Jane Everyday a chance to slip in and take two primo, well know roles in a beloved classic as they bring it back to Broadway. Which in itself is all good: bring in new blood, find new Broadway talent, yes... But not AMERICAN IDOL style. It's over done.
That said, I will be watching it- only because it's Broadway related 
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
singingbackup
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/06
#2re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 2:51pm
I actually could not agree with you more. If anything, BROADWAY and the theater arts and those aspiring to be a part of that world will have weekly exposure to the United States. And, if it does well in the ratings, can be nothing but a positive thing. Hopefully it will inspire a new generation to embrace theater and the arts even more, and possibly stem the tide of diminishing Arts programs in schools and communities.
Sure I wish it was a different show (and thank GOD it's not "Wicked") but it's a start.
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#5re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:14pm
Playbill.com previously reported that members of Actors' Equity Association (age 19 or over and/or have completed high school by April 1, 2007) who wish to be considered for the leads could have attended the EPAs ("which will not be videotaped," according to the posting) or may choose the open TV auditions (which will be videotaped). "All performers who are called back from EPAs or OPEN TV auditions for the roles of Sandy and Danny must be willing to participate in this television show, for which the judges will be Kathleen Marshall, David Ian and Jim Jacobs. The final casting selection will be made by vote of the viewing public."
When NBC announced the new TV show and Broadway-bound revival, much concern was voiced regarding Equity standards and procedures — and whether the institution which governs all professional stage actors would allow their members to be recorded. A solution seems to have been reached as a note on the audition notice reads "Performers' participation in the TV show will be governed by an AFTRA contract."
Equity principal auditions and Chorus Call auditions — not the open auditions which will be videotaped for the TV show — have already taken place.
#6re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:17pm
I don't see the big deal with this GREASE "thing."
It's not like they're mounting a revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE via a reality show. Then people would say "Well, do it with GREASE or something..."
It's SO HARMLESS. It's a TV show. I, for one, plan to watch it. What's the worst that can happen? People who aren't inclined to go see a Broadway show will buy tickets for GREASE?
It's money for Broadway, it's publicity for Broadway, it's money for actors, it's a job for Kathleen Marshall. WHO. CARES.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#7re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:21pm
Could they have picked a better show?
Something that's NOT done every year around the country by high school?
#8re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:25pm
Could they have picked a better show? Well yes - but they also could have picked a worse show.
GREASE isn't a bad show. It's fun. It's not inspiring and breathtakingly moving, but it's entertaining and fun. Considering what Marshall has done with revivals in the past, I am anxious to see what she does with GREASE.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
mejusthavingfun
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
#9re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:25pmThey could have also picked something that would allow non-white people to actually participate in. Although Sandy could be black I guess... Updated On: 11/7/06 at 03:25 PM
#10re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:26pm
Is there a clause within the show's contract that says only white people can be in the show?
Of course not, don't be stupid.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
mejusthavingfun
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
#11re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:46pmI'm talking about the contest. I doubt very much they are going to "color-blind" cast Sandy and Danny.
#12re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:51pm
To quote Babs, "STFU!"
Is the race card all you play?
Grease! would only work as an all white show, or an all black show.
An all black show might be more fun, since I see it as a satire piece anyway. It'd be like casting an all black cast for Leave it to Beaver.
#13re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 3:56pmA friend of mine auditioned and she said that it was very much like casting for the tv show, not the musical, which I think is unfortunate.
"In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last - only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life - beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life." - Sherie Rene Scott
jasobres
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/9/05
#14re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 4:06pmI think the whole thing is bullcrap. We don't even need a revival of Grease because it was already revived like 10+ years ago, and we had every frickin' TV star you could name in it. Plus it was the only original cast that had Rosie O'Donnell originating a role.
"Ev'ry-buddy wants ta get into de act!"
- Jimmy Durante
"Breathe from your hoo-hoo."
-Kristin Chenoweth
mejusthavingfun
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
#15re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 4:13pm
Fiction - Not playing the race card. I'm just pointing out what a terrible show choice. It really limits the contestants and audience. Frankly, it's pretty careless. The best thing about American Idol is that anyone can be on it.
Oh and an all black Beave is the best idea I've heard all week. It's brilliant. Sort of Everybody Hates Chris but with a Cosby sensibility.
Updated On: 11/7/06 at 04:13 PM
JohnBoy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/06
#16re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 4:14pmFrankly, having a reality tv show, is probably the only thing that would generate any interest in tired old GREASE. I can't think of anything that would get me to see that show, again.
#17re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 5:13pm
mmm whens it airing?
i hate reality shows.
but i feel inclined to watch this one, being its broadway.
but it does break my heart a little bit.
#18re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 5:36pm
"Frankly, having a reality tv show, is probably the only thing that would generate any interest in tired old GREASE. I can't think of anything that would get me to see that show, again."
Exactly my point. Who hasn't seen Grease!? Who wants to see it again?
If it happens, it happens, I just don't see the revival lasting once the appeal's over.
#19re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 5:44pm
At the end of the day this is for a reality TV show. We have justhad the same this in the UK for The Sound of Music. I can see why some people are annoyed at the way this is being done, but at the same time it's getting people into the theatre that might not think about going.
Grease is quite a safe bet i suppose. The only thing i feel i must apologise for is subjecting you guys in the US to Denise Van Outen.
#20re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 5:55pmThey picked Grease because Grease ALWAYS makes money. I doubt anyone would watch a reality show where the contestants battled for the lead in a revival of Flora the Red Menace. It's an on-air audition as opposed to a closed door audition. What's wrong with that? It will probably be more successful than Debbie Allen's Fame, which nobody watched and when the show opened, nobody saw. If the winners fail to sell tickets, the producers will trot out a parade of B-list celebs, just like the last time.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
mauriposa
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/14/05
#21re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 5:55pmYes, a project like this will draw people into Broadway who wouldn't be there otherwise. But my question is, with this current trend of Disney and juxebox musicals, do we really need another gimmick?
Mattbrain
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
#23re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 9:04pmI've already seen four professional productions and a crappy as hell sorry excuse for a production where they basically did the movie. I don't think I need a Broadway revival.
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ATTENTION FANS: I will be played by James Barbour in the upcoming musical, "BroadwayWorld: The Musical."
bwayondabrain
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
#24re: This GREASE 'thing'
Posted: 11/7/06 at 9:06pm
i dont mind the reality show, i just wish they picked a different show to revive, that we haven't seen in awhile, i dont know
but other than that, should be interesting!
