Live Musicals; Grease and Hairspray

It started with Grease, now we have Hairspray, what will be the next live musical?

This new trend is such a fun way to combine film and theatre. They have the numbers from the movies that most people know and love, then some aspects of the original musicals that make these stories so incredible.

Grease live was so fun, partly because the movie was made back in the 70s, which made the modern making of it so cool.

The singing was beautiful, the dancing was on point, and the set was amazing.

Julianne Hough made Sandy endearingly sweet without being annoying. Vanessa Hudgens made Rizzo so tough and vulnerable. AndKeke Palmer turned Marty from a minor character to a goddess in sequins with serious costume changing skills.

Marty has always been my favorite because of she’s so cool, especially the way Keke Palmer played her. Her rendition of “Freddy My Love” is gorgeous and sultry, from nightgown to evening gown and back.

Marty’s smirks, Rizzo’s sarcasm, and Frenchie’s optimism make Sandy’s naive sweetness stand out even more. I loved Rizzo’s elvis dance, and I especially loved the use of Julianne Hough’s dance experience in the cheer-off.

Speaking of all the wonderful ladies in Grease, the women in Hairspray had some amazing moments as well.

I loved the addition of numbers like “Mama I’m a Big Girl Now” and “Cooties”. Both songs feature Dove Cameron’s beautiful sultry voice. I love how she got to play Kristin Chenoweth’s daughter again, they are a fantastic mother-daughter duo.  Kristin Chenoweth is absolute perfection in everything she does.

Maddie Baillio was the new girl on set, and she was adorable. She played Tracy with a lovely sweetness in addition to that trademark Tracy enthusiasm.

And then we have Ariana Grande, the sexy tiny Latina with the huge voice. Her awkwardness was everything Penny should be. She was perfect. It was also fun to hear her adjust her voice to the broadway style.

Her flat jokes, flailing, and nerdiness cracked me up. I was disappointed by the portrayal of Penny in the movie version, but they definitely got it right this time.

Like Grease Live, Hairspray Live had some technical difficulties. There were some sound issues, along with the lights going out on poor Maddie during her big opening number. Forgot to pay the bills, perhaps?

And of course, there’s Jennifer Hudson. She is the only woman on this Earth who could have followed Queen Latifa in such an iconic role. She is a goddess. That is all.

I love all these live musicals. I’m hoping it continues, fingers crossed for Wicked!