Reality Island

[pika]

Grease: You're the One that I Want!, The Finale – They're The Ones That You Want!
by Teeuwynn Woodruff -- 03/26/2007

This is it! The finale of Grease. Tonight we find out which Danny and Sandy will star in this Summer's Broadway production of Grease. Will the judges’ predictions hold true and will we see Max and Laura as our new king and queen of Rydell High?

Billy Bush and Denise Van Outen welcome us to the live finale! Millions of people have voted, and tonight we'll find out the results. Max, Austin, Ashley, and Laura all look excited and nervous as they join our other Danny and Sandy finalists in a spirited rendition of “We Go Together.” Much singing and dancing fun is had by all. The crowd applauds furiously and we can see signs for the finalists up all over the audience.

Billy and Denise introduce for a final time producer David Ian, director Kathleen Marshall, and author Jim Jacobs. Billy asks David if he's confident America made the right decision. David says that all four finalists are fantastic and he'd be happy with any of them in his show. David then interviews on his opinions of the Dannys. He says it's Tom Cruise vs. Ben Stiller – a fantastic professional vs. a quirky comedian. Jim says that Ashley is more of Sandy at the end, and Laura is more of Sandy throughout the rest of the show. Kathleen says that Ashley is so lovely, but there's something a bit goddess-like about her. Laura would be a more down-to-earth Sandy. She thinks it's still a tough call between those two.

It's time for the inevitable show recap. Billy declares it the biggest open call in show history. We see flashes of auditions both good and bad and many angst-ridden competitors. We see the guest judges and a montage of finalists going home. Kathleen interviews that coming out of Grease Academy she would have cast Derek and Juliana. We see many shots of weeping wannabe Sandys. The final four interview about how much they want the parts and hope they'll get them.

Austin, Max, Ashley, and Laura then perform “You're the One that I Want” for us. The girls wear spandex pants, while the boys wear their standard black tee shirts and jeans. They all do a fine job. As I watch, I'm more and more convinced that Austin's performance would come off better in person, in an audience, then in the close ups of TV. He plays bigger than you would for TV, because he's used to acting in theater. If he loses, I think that may be why.

Billy now sits down with the final four. He notes that they all must be nervous tonight. No one disagrees. Billy asks Max and Austin how they feel when one will become a Broadway star... and the other won't. Austin says they support each other. Max says neither of them will lose, one just won't win. Ashley says she's stressed, but she's getting through it. Laura says the week has been hard, but it's out of their control now.

The eliminated Dannys and Sandys now get another chance to shine, performing “Born to Hand Jive.” They generally do a fine, bouncy job of it. Matt looks most out of his element, though. The audience gives them a nice round of applause when they're done.

Billy pulls Ashley and Laura up on stage. It's time to find out which of them has won the role of Sandy! But first, we get a quick recap of their journeys to this point. Ashley talks about how she messed up her first audition, but they gave her a second chance to sing. She knows she looks like Sandy, but she has more going for her than that. Ashley says the first three weeks of the finals were great for her. But “These Boots Were Made for Walking” wasn't her best. Still, she came back and performed well after that. This is her dream, what she wants to do with her life, and she'd be honored if America chose her as our Sandy.

Denise has Ashley's Mom and Dad in the audience. Her Mom says Ashley has been preparing for this since she was a little girl. Ashley's Dad says it's very nerve-wracking, but it's been a wonderful trip and she's met so many incredible people. It's been unbelievable. Ashley's Mom says her duet with Max was her favorite moment on the show thus far.

Laura's tape begins noting that two months ago she was playing Sandy in a regional theater production near her home. She says she was intimidated by some of the competition, but she made it to Grease Academy. She says it was very difficult. Laura says that she didn't start out as strong, but doing “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a turning point for her on the show. I have to say she's right about that. She really turned it on after that. Laura says it's an honor to be in the running for the role of Sandy on Broadway. Laura's fiance is here. Denise reminds us that they were supposed to get married yesterday and be in Aruba today. Her fiance says he wouldn't trade this experience for anything – and the wedding's on for May 11th now!

Okay, now it's really time to find out who America chose for the next Sandy. Last week I predicted America would choose Laura. Billy says that they've both worked so hard, and the girl America has chosen to be Sandy is... LAURA! Laura weeps in delight as Ashley graciously hugs her. Ashley gets a round of applause before seeking solace in the arms of her Mother. Laura looks like she still can't believe it. Billy now takes us to Times Square where a giant sign proclaims Grease starring Laura Osnes. That must be pretty cool for her to see!

The Dannys are up next as Austin and Max stride confidently out on stage. Austin's story is first. He says he was worried in his first audition. He's worked for this his entire life and he would have been embarrassed if he had gone home early. Austin says Grease Academy was exhausting. He never felt worried about his abilities, but he was petrified that “Link from Hairspray” would go home. He couldn't believe it when he pulled “Ease on Down the Road.” But he busted his butt and did great. But “Fun, Fun, Fun” wasn't good. Austin feels he redeemed himself with his Elvis song. Winning this role would be the fulfillment of a dream that has been decades in the making. However, he feels like he's already won. Denise interviews Austin's Mother and Grandmother. His Grandmother gets very emotional talking about how proud she is of him.

Max starts by saying that being the underdog in the competition has helped him immensely. It's given him a chance to transform in front of America. We get to see Max's old hairstyle – the new one definitely works better. Max says he was sure he was going home every day of Grease Academy. He admits that he didn't do anything about his hair because he was lazy and wanted to make a statement, but he thinks he cut it at just the right time. Max thinks his breakthrough was singing “It Takes Two” with Ashley. Then singing “Hard to Handle” sealed the deal. David interviews that he can remember thinking “Danny Zuko over my dead body,” but Max's talent came through. Max says being on Broadway is his dream. Max's parents say it's been incredible watching their son on TV every week. Max's little brother says he's very proud of him. Denise then propositions the six-year-old, asking him to marry her. But he turns her down.

Last week I said that America would pick Max as their Danny. Let's see if I'm right. Billy notes that last week there was only a one percent voting margin between the two of them. Billy says they both fought so hard and the winning Danny is... MAX. Austin shakes his head in disappointment then gives Max a congratulatory hug. Laura looks on excitedly from backstage. Billy thanks Austin and says he's been incredible. Austin gives his Mom a quick hug and rushes offstage. I have a feeling he's very disappointed with the result. Max looks a bit stunned as he watches his name appear on the Times Square marquee. His eyes well up a bit and then he rushes off to get ready for a performance.

Billy asks Jim if he's happy with the results. Jim says he's thrilled! With that we go to a performance of “Greased Lightning” by all of our Dannys – with Max singing the lead of course. Austin is out there as one of the gang, and he does an admirably professional job considering how disappointed he must be. No wonder he rushed off stage so fast, he had a quick change.

Laura is up next singing “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” She sounds great and looks very emotional. All of the girls and guys join her and Max on stage next to sing “Summer Loving.” Then they are joined by the actual Broadway cast of Grease. Billy introduces them. The lady playing Rizzo looks pretty hot! They take over singing “Summer Nights” and sound very professional. Max and Laura then sing a brief snippet of “You're the One That I Want” with the actual Broadway cast backing them. Confetti rains down and our hosts present the winners with flowers while the panel gives them a standing ovation.

Well, that's it! We have our next Danny and Sandy. I'm curious to see how the show does this summer on Broadway. I wonder how ticket sales have been so far? I also wonder if Austin or Ashley has any chance of being cast as the understudy for Danny and Sandy respectively. I'd be interested to find out. Thanks for joining me each week for this Broadway first!

***
Laura and Max definitely weren't my choices for the winners. I would have preferred Kate or Ashley for Sandy and Derek or Chad for Danny. Laura was too over the top for me but I guess that's why they want her on Broadway. Blech!

[Brinna]

Yea Max!!!
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To thine own self be true