Sunday, January 31, the classic musical Grease was brought to life on the television screens across America. Star-crossed lovers Danny and Sandy were portrayed by Broadway star Aaron Tveit and Dancing With the Stars’ sweetheart, Julianne Hough. The live performance was rumored to be great, but no one imagined just how successful it would be.

This live event took place at Warner Brothers Studios in LA across five different sound stages and 21 sets. Along with Hough and Tveit, Vanessa Hudgens joined them on the stage as Rizzo, Carlos Pena as Kenickie, Keke Palmer as Marty, and Carly Rae Jepsen as Frenchy, just to name a few.

Throughout the three-hour event, you could see all of the actors and actresses running from set to set between scenes getting ready for their next debut on screen. This incredible performance took eight weeks of intense rehearsals, but the madness paid off the when the show finally appeared on FOX.

The live event, the 1978 movie, and the play were similar but all had their distinctions. So, what were the ups and downs of this particular performance?

Up: Vanessa Hudgens

Oh man, did Hudgens kill it as her fantastic supporting role as Rizzo. Despite suffering the tragic loss of her father the night before, she still stole the show. Her solo “There are Worst Things I Could do,” gave all of America chills as she hit those notes. Overall, Hudgens put on an incredible performance that was dedicated to her dad. Every move, lyric, and line that she delivered was phenomenal.

Down: Frenchy’s Song

The producers of “Grease LIVE!” decided Frenchy deserved the song in the show, “All I Need is an Angel.” The movie takes place in the fifties, but the song sounded 21-century, so it was extremely out of place. Also, Jepson’s voice didn’t compare to the others in the show. The song came right before “Beauty School Drop Out,” so it was strange sequencing. In conclusion, it was a total let down.   

Up: The Diversity in Casting

Keke Palmer as Marty, Mario Lopez as Vince Fontaine, and Boyz II Men as Beauty School Boys all rocked their roles. Palmer gave a whole new spin to “Freddy My Love” and it was astounding. Lopez was perfect casting for Vince Fontaine and made the role his own. Finally, Boyz II Men was an awesome twist to the classic scene.

Down: The Thunder Road Scene

Honestly…what? This could have been much better executed. I realize it’s impossible to race real cars on a sound stage, but this was extensively awful. It was sub par compared to the amount of technology used for this live show.

Up: Those Magic Changes

Oh man, oh man, what a solo! Doody, played by Jordan Fisher, made everyone’s heart skip a beat when he purred this song. Adding to his good looks, Fisher’s voice was so mystical and soothing that everyone was awe-struck during his entire performance. Great job, Fisher!
Overall, the show was a smashing success. Grease LIVE! was the word, the time, the place, the motion.. and a hit!